Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectra of Some Amphetamines and Related Compounds and Observations on Rotamer Populations

Abstract

Data from the p.m.r. spectra of β-amino-, β-aminohydrochloride-, β-hydroxy-, and β-nitro-α-phenyl-propanes having methyl or methoxy substituants on the phenyl ring (37 compounds in all) are presented. The α and β protons of the side-chain give a pattern usually analyzable as ABX. The data are discussed in terms of correlations of coupling constants and chemical shifts with electronegativity of the substituent groups, steric and electronic effects, and apparent changes in rotamer populations. Hydrogen-bonding between the amino group of amphetamines and a methoxyl function at the ortho position in the phenyl ring is indicated for the salts but not the free bases.