Conformational Landscape of α-Halopropiophenones Determined by nJC-H NMR Reveals Unexpected Patterns and Geometric Constraints

The conformational features of α-halopropiophenones were investigated to understand the influence of α-halogens on conformation through hyperconjugative interactions, electrostatics, and steric factors. Using NMR, C-H scalar coupling constants were measured in different solvents, revealing a pattern in the conformational equilibria, which we validated by computational means. This behavior arises largely from hyperconjugative effects with the exception of the fluoro-derivatives, which are also influenced by steric and electrostatic interactions. In all cases, the contribution to hyperconjugation of the α-halo ketones is driven by the oxygen lone pair (rather than the C-X bond), which donates electron density to the adjacent C-C bonds. Additionally, C-Cα bond rotation generates distortions in the side chain, responsible for destabilization, thus affecting system conjugation. These structural features identified for the α-halo ketones are also reflected in their reactivity, which is distinct from that expected for nucleophilic addition.

Conformational preferences of α-fluoroketones may influence their reactivity

Fluorine has been shown in many cases to impart specific and predictable effects on molecular conformation. Here it is shown that these conformational effects may have an influence on reactivity through studying the relative reactivity of various α-halogenated ketones towards borohydride reduction. These results demonstrate that the α-fluoro ketones are in fact a little less reactive than the corresponding α-chloro and α-bromo derivatives. It is suggested, supported by computation, that this effect is due to reactive conformations in which the C–X bond is orthogonal to the carbonyl group for good orbital overlap being disfavoured in the case of fluoro ketones.