The proximate spin–spin coupling, 5J(F,CH3), as a quantitative conformational indicator in alkylfluorobenzenes and related compounds

The through-space or proximate nuclear spin–spin coupling constant, 5J(F,CH3) = 5J, between methyl protons and ring fluorine nuclei in alkylfluorobenzenes is postulated as [Formula: see text] θ being the torsional angle for the [Formula: see text] bond. A and B are obtained from the known internal rotational behaviour in 2,6-difluoroethylbenzene and the corresponding cumene derivative. The parameterization is tested on the observed 5J in derivatives of 2,4,6-tri-tert-butyl- and 2,4,6-tri-isopropyl-fluorobenzene, in 2-chloro-6-fluoroisopropylbenzene, 2,6-difluoro-α-methylstyrene, and N-methyl-8-fluoroquinolinium halides. A prediction is made for 5J in 2,6-difluoro-tert-butylbenzene. It appears that the present parameterization allows the derivation of approximate torsional potentials from proximate couplings, for example in α,α-dimethyl-2,6-difluorobenzyl alcohol.