Some unique properties of in 2-fluorotoluene derivatives. Conformational dependence

Abstract

A complete analysis of the 1H nmr spectrum of 2-fluorotoluene yields [Formula: see text] the spin–spin coupling constant between 19F and the methyl protons, as 1.99 Hz. Analysis of nmr spectra of 21 other derivatives of 2-fluorotoluene shows that [Formula: see text] can vary between 1.69 and 2.55 Hz. This strong dependence on substitution contrasts with the near invariance of other long-range couplings such as [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] The substituent dependence is discussed in terms of coupling mechanisms. INDO MO FPT calculations of [Formula: see text] are inadequate. By means of appropriate model compounds, an adequate empirical conformational dependence is deduced for [Formula: see text] which can be used to reproduce some observed couplings. INDO MO FPT computations, in which certain off-diagonal Fock matrix elements are suppressed, are used to show that spin polarization via interacton of the methyl hydrogen orbitals is a major source of the discrepancy between theory and experiment. Some STO 3G MO calculations are reported for 2-fluorotoluene conformations.