Hindered rotation in N-acyloxy-4-methylthiazole-2(3H)-thiones

Experimentally determined barriers to O-acyl group topomerization in mixed anhydrides composed of β-disubstituted carboxylic acids and cyclic thiohydroxamic acid N-hydroxy-4-methylthiazole-2(3H)-thione were located in the range of ΔG^‡₃₂₀=68±8 kJ mol⁻¹ (DNMR). According to modeling studies, the underlying exchange process is proposed to occur via rotation about the N,O bond for torsional movement of the O-acyl group past the heterocyclic 4-methyl substituent. The energetically lowest pathway for passing the O-acyl entity by the thione sulfur, is predicted to occur via sequential rocking about the Csp²,O single bond in combination with an interlaced twist about the N,O axis.