High resolution proton magnetic resonance of selenophene

The high resolution proton magnetic resonance of selenophene has been studied at 100 Mc/s. The spectrum was analysed as an A₂X₂ system and the following coupling constants were obtained: J ₂₃ = 5·35, J ₂₄ = 1·05, J ₃₄ = 3·56, J ₂₅ = 2·47 c.p.s. Coupling was also observed between ⁷⁷Se and the α and β protons and coupling constants of 48 c.p.s. (α) and 9·5 c.p.s. (β) were obtained. The τ values were 2·30 (α) and 2·88 (β). The results are compared with values available for furan, pyrrole and thiophene and the conclusion is drawn that selenophene is probably a planar molecule.