Configuration and conformation of alkoxyalkyl and hydroxyalkyl trifluoromethyl nitroxides. Anomeric effects and nitroxide conformations
The epr spectral parameters for some [Formula: see text] radicals have been measured over a range of temperatures. These radicals are probably non-planar at nitrogen. Their OR groups are in the eclipsed position with respect to the N 2pz orbital, a conformational preference which is attributed to a combination of steric factors and the anomeric effect. For [Formula: see text] the H hyperfine splittings (hfs) are of unusually small magnitude. It is pointed out that all other known [Formula: see text] also have anomalously low H hfs. It is suggested that this is due to the anomeric effect which not only promotes the eclipsed conformation but also causes the OR group to bend towards the semioccupied orbital, thereby moving H and R2 towards the nodal plane of this orbital.