The "C NMR spectra of singly 'SN-labelled Z/E isomers of azo and diazo compounds were recorded. The J( C N) coupling constants are strongly dependent on the geometrical configuration of the azo group, the relative position of the lone pair of electrons at the non-coupling azo nitrogen atom having a decisive influence.
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INTRODUcIlONLittle experimental material is available in the literature on the influence of the geometrical configuration around an N=N double bond on the 'sN-'3C coupling conditions over one bond (see Fig. 1).Schwotzer et al.' found a relatively large difference between the 'J(13C1'N) values of the Z and E isomers in azoxybenzenes, whereas this difference is not very distinct in Z/E isomers of azimines. Recently, coupling constants of the ZIE isomeric azobenzenes and benzo[c]cinnoline were published,2 which also prove the specific influence of the configuration on the coupling conditions. Our own investigations show, however, that the assignments reported in Ref. In a previous study,3 we were also able to show that the I3C--l5N coupling constants of Z / E isomeric benzthiazoline-2-ylidenearyltriazenes and triazenium salts are significantly dependent on the geometrical configuration. To improve the understanding of this dependence, we have carried out a comparative study of the l3C-I5N coupling constants over one bond in Z -and E-azobenzenes 1, benzo[c]cinnoline (Z), diazocyanides 3, triazenes 4, and triazenium salts 5 with Z and E configurations, also including the literature values of azoxybenzenes 6.'