Conformational analysis of some acrylates using dipole moment calculations by CNDO/force method

CNDO MO calculations are carried out for four acrylates, H₂C=C (R₁)-COO (R₂) with R₁=H, Me and R₂=Me, Et for dipole moment determination using the Pople-Segal expression.⁷ Energy minimization for various conformers in each molecular system was achieved by the gradient method. Dipole moments for comparatively stable conformers of each of the molecules considered are reported. Theoretically calculated energy values are used to arrive at the equilibrium geometry and the corresponding dipole moments are compared with the experimental values in each system considered.