Structural and vibrational studies of 1,1,3,3-tetracyanopropane and 2,2,4,4,6-pentacyanocyclohexenamine

Abstract

1,1,3,3-Tetracyanopropane, 1, was prepared in low yields by a literature method with 2,2,4,4,6-pentacyanocyclohexenamine, 2, as a major by-product. The products were examined by X-ray crystallography. 1 has an orthorhombic space group, Pbcn (No. 60) with cell dimensions, a = 7.158(2), b = 10.510(3), c = 9.733(2) Å and has four formula units in the unit cell. 2 has a monoclinic cell, P21/c (No. 14) with cell dimensions a = 14.368(3), b = 6.626(1), c = 12.300(2) Å, β = 115.60(1)° and has 4 formula units in the unit cell. Data were collected with use of MoKα radiation and a Nicolet P3 diffractometer. The crystal structures were determined by standard methods and refined to Rw = 0.037 (1) and Rw = 0.040 (2) on the basis of 782 and 2108 unique reflections. Bond lengths and angles in the two compounds are normal. 2 has what has been considered to be the less likely tautomeric structure. Both compounds were examined by 1H, 13C nmr, vibrational spectroscopy, and mass spectroscopy. For 2 there was no evidence of the alternative tautomeric structure. New methods were developed for the preparation of both compounds and the mechanism of the original reaction rationalized.