Geometric Isomerizations

Although a compound such as (II) could theoretically exist in a number of geometrically isomeric forms, only one form is produced in this synthesis it is almost certainly the trans form throughout the chain. 

Both acids 3deld succinic acid, m.p. 185°, upon catalytic reduction (see Section 111,150), thus establishing their structures. Maleic and fumaric acids are examples of compounds exhibiting cis-trans isomerism (or geometric isomerism). Maleic acid has the cm structure since inter alia it readily 3delds the anhydride (compare Section 111,93). Fumaric acid possesses the trans structure it does not form an anhydride, but when heated to a high temperature gives maleic anhydride. 

Geometrical Isomerism. Rotation about a carbon-carbon double bond is restricted because of interaction between the p orbitals which make up the pi bond. Isomerism due to such restricted rotation about a bond is known as geometric isomerism. Parallel overlap of the p orbitals of each carbon atom of the double bond forms the molecular orbital of the pi bond. The relatively large barrier to rotation about the pi bond is estimated to be nearly 63 kcal mol (263 kJ mol-i). 

When two different substituents are attached to each carbon atom of the double bond, cis-trans isomers can exist. In the case of c T-2-butene (Fig. 1.11a), both methyl groups are on the same side of the double bond. The other isomer has the methyl groups on opposite sides and is designated as rran5--2-butene (Fig. l.llb). Their physical properties are quite different. Geometric isomerism can also exist in ring systems examples were cited in the previous discussion on conformational isomers. 

In this section we shall consider three types of isomerism which are encountered in polymers. These are positional isomerism, stereo isomerism, and geometrical isomerism. We shall focus attention on synthetic polymers and shall, for the most part, be concerned with these types of isomerism occurring singly, rather than in combination. The synthetic and analytical aspects of stereo isomerism will be considered in Chap. 7. Our present concern is merely to introduce the possibilities of these isomers and some of the vocabulary associated with them. 

In spite of the assortment of things discussed in this chapter, there are also a variety of topics that could be included but which are not owing to space limitations. We do not discuss copolymers formed by the step-growth mechanism, for example, or the use of Ziegler-Natta catalysts to regulate geometrical isomerism in, say, butadiene polymerization. Some other important omissions are noted in passing in the body of the chapter. 

Complications arising from other types of isomerism. Positional and geometrical isomerism, also described in Sec. 1.6, will be excluded for simplicity. In actual polymers these are not always so easily ignored. Polymerization of 1,2-disubstituted ethylenes. Since these introduce two different asymmetric carbons into the polymer backbone (second substituent Y), they have the potential to display ditacticity. Our attention to these is limited to the illustration of some terminology which is derived from carbohydrate nomenclature (structures [IX]-[XII]) ... 

It is not the purpose of this book to discuss in detail the contributions of NMR spectroscopy to the determination of molecular structure. This is a specialized field in itself and a great deal has been written on the subject. In this section we shall consider only the application of NMR to the elucidation of stereoregularity in polymers. Numerous other applications of this powerful technique have also been made in polymer chemistry, including the study of positional and geometrical isomerism (Sec. 1.6), copolymers (Sec. 7.7), and helix-coil transitions (Sec. 1.11). We shall also make no attempt to compare the NMR spectra of various different polymers instead, we shall examine only the NMR spectra of different poly (methyl methacrylate) preparations to illustrate the capabilities of the method, using the first system that was investigated by this technique as the example. 

Photochemistry. The most important photochemical processes that proceed from the excited state are geometrical isomerization and photochromic reactions. 

Photochromism Based on Geometric Isomerism. The simplest examples of a photochromic reaction involving reversible cis-trans isomerization is the photoisomerization of azobenzene [103-33-3] C22H2QN2 (16). 

Photochromism Based on Tautomerism. Several substituted anils of saHcylaldehydes are photochromic but only in the crystalline state. The photochromic mechanism involves a proton transfer and geometric isomerization (21). An example of a photochromic anil is /V-sa1icylidene-2-ch1oToani1ine [3172-42-7] C H qCINO. 

In contrast, chromium (ITT) and cobalt(III) form 2 1 dye metal complexes that have nonplanar stmctures. Geometrical isomerism exists. The (9,(9 -dihydroxyazo dyes (22) form the Drew-Pfitzner or y rtype (23) (A = C = O) whereas o-hydroxy—o -carboxyazo dyes (24) form the Pfeiffer-Schetty or fac type (25), where A = CO 2 and C = O. 

Oxazol-5(2H)-one, 2-benzylidene-4-methyl-tautomerism, 6, 186 Oxazol-5(2ff)-one, 2-methylene-isomerization, 6, 226 Oxazol-5(2H)-one, 2-trifluoromethyl-acylation, 6, 201 Oxazol-5(4ff)-one, 4-allyl-thermal rearrangements, 6, 199 Oxazol-5(4H)-one, 4(arylmethylene)-Friedel-Crafts reactions, 6, 205 geometrical isomerism, 6, 185 Oxazol-5(4ff)-one, 4-benzylidene-2-phenyl-configuration, 6, 185 photorearrangement, 6, 201 Oxazol-5(4ff)-one, 4-benzyl-2-methyl-Friedel-Crafts reactions, 6, 205 Oxazol-5(4ff)-one, 4-methylene-in amino acid synthesis, 6, 203 Oxazol-5(4ff) -one. 2-trifluoromethyl-hydrolysis, 6, 206 Oxazolones... 

The same mixture of H and I was obtained starting with either of the geometrically isomeric radical precursors E or F. A possible explanation is based on the assumption of a common radical conformer G, stabilized in the geometry shown by electron delocalization involving the radicaloid p-orbital, the p-peroxy oxygen and Jt of the diene unit. The structure of the compounds H and I were determined by H NMR spectra and the conversion of H to diol J, a known intermediate for the synthesis of prostaglandins. 

Asano and co-workers have reported die kinetic effects of pressure, solvent, and substituent on geometric isomerization about die carbon-nitrogen double bond for pyrazol-3-one azomethines 406 (R = H), 406 (R = NO2) and 407, (Scheme 93). The results demonstrate the versatility of die inversion mechanism. The rotation mechanism has been invalidated. First-wder rate constants and activating volumes for diermal E-Z isomerization for 406 (R = H) and 406 (R = NO2) are given at 25°C in benzene and methanol (89JOC379). 

The physical and chemical properties of complex ions and of the coordination compounds they form depend on the spatial orientation of ligands around the central metal atom. Here we consider the geometries associated with the coordination numbers 2,4, and 6. With that background, we then examine the phenomenon of geometric isomerism, in which two or more complex ions have the same chemical formula but different properties because of their different geometries. 

Click Coached Problems for a self-study module on geometric isomerism in transition metel complexes. 

Two or more species with different physical and chemical properties but the same formula are said to be isomers of one another. Complex ions can show many different kinds of isomerism, only one of which we will consider. Geometric isomers are ones that differ only in the spatial orientation of ligands around the central metal atom. Geometric isomerism is found in square planar and octahedral complexes. It cannot occur in tetrahedral complexes where all four positions are equivalent... 

Geometric isomerism can occur with any square complex of the type Mabcd, Ma2bc, or Ma2b2, where M refers to the central metal and a, b, c, and d are different ligands. Conversely, geometric isomerism cannot occur with a square complex of the type Ma4 or Ma3b. Thus there are two different square complexes with the formula Pt(NH3)2ClBr but only one with the formula Pt(NH3)3Cl+. 

Octahedral To understand how geometric isomerism can arise in octahedral complexes, refer back to Figure 15.4. Notice that for any given position of a ligand, four other positions are at the same distance from that ligand, and a fifth is at a greater distance. 

Geometric isomerism can also occur in chelated octahedral complexes (Figure 15.7, p. 416). Notice that an ethylenediamine molecule, here and indeed in all complexes, can only bridge cis positions. It is not long enough to connect to trans positions. 

Which of the following octahedral complexes show geometric isomerism If geometric isomers are possible, draw their structures. 

As we saw earlier, there are three structural isomers of the alkene C4H8. You may be surprised to learn that there are actually/owr different alkenes with this molecular formula. The extra compound arises because of a phenomenon called geometric isomerism. There are two different geometric isomers of the structure shown on the left, on page 597, under (1). 

Of the compounds in Problem 35, which ones show geometric isomerism Draw the cis- and trans- isomers. 

Geometric isomerism A type of isomerism that arises when two species have the same molecular formulas but (Efferent geometric structures, 413 octahedral planar, 415 square planar 414 trans isomer, 414... 

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