Structure, configuration, conformation and quantification of the push-pull effect of 2-alkylidene-4-thiazolidinones and 2-alkylidene-4,5-fused bicyclic thiazolidine derivatives

Structures of a series of push-pull 2-alkylidene-4-thiazolidinones and 2-alkylidene-4,5-fused bicyclic thiazolidine derivatives were optimized at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory in the gas phase and discussed with respect to configurational and conformational stability. Employing the GIAO method, ¹³C NMR chemical shifts of the C-2, C-2′, C-4 and C-5 atoms were calculated at the same level of theory in the gas phase and with inclusion of solvent, and compared with experimental data. Push-pull effect of all compounds was quantified by means of the quotient π^∗/π, length of the partial double bond, ¹³C NMR chemical shift difference (Δδ_CC) and ¹H NMR chemical shifts of olefinic protons. The effect of bromine on donating and accepting ability of other substituents of the push-pull CC double bond is discussed, too.