The molecular and crystal structures of two diastereomeric 3,4-dihydropyrromethenones

The molecular and crystal structures of the two racemic diastereomeric 3,4-dihydropyrromethenone derivatives1 and2 of configurations (Z) and (E) were determined at 93 K (1, 2) and at room temperature (1). From an analysis of the crystallographically observed temperature coefficients a pseudorotation flexibility of the pyrrolidinone ring in the crystal is deduced. In both compounds a nearly orthogonal arrangement between the two heterocyclic ring systems is observed, which is ascribed to the steric bulk of the substituents in positions 1 and 3 of the pyrrolidinone ring.Herrn Prof.Josef Schurz zum 60. Geburtstag gewidmet.