Molecular Topology of Linked Anthracenes: X-Ray Structure Analyses of Alkyl Di-9-anthryl-glycolates, 9-Anthryl 9-Anthrylmethyl Ethers and Their Photoisomers

Abstract

The molecular structures of ethyl di-9-anthrylglycolate (1) and methyl di-9-anthrylglycolate (2), as well as those of three isomerization products of (2), have been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. In both (1) and (2), the anthracenemoieties are characterized by marked deviations from planarity. The stereospecific course of the thermal and photochemical isomerization of (2) by Diels -Alder reaction is suggested to be governed by the spatial demand of the alkoxycarbonyl group. Base-catalysed isomerization of (2) by migration of 9-anthryl from carbon to oxygen is associated with steric relief.