The Molecular and Crystal Structures of Galvinol Derivatives

Abstract

Galvinols are interesting, sterically hindered compounds that serve as precursors for the generation of stable galvinoxyl radicals. In order to elucidate their basic structural chemistry and the influence of steric effects on their conformation a comparative analysis of several galvinol derivatives was undertaken. The aryl and quinoid subunits could clearly be identified and substituents at the connecting methine bridge were found to influence the conformation of the molecules. As a result of the sterically hindered residues the molecules pack mainly through weak van der Waals interactions without formation of hydrogen bonds. The observation of different crystal forms and packing for galvinols and their conformational flexibility will impact current solid-state applications and provides unambiguous structural data for theoretical calculations.