Structure of cyclo-octatetraene

Abstract

THREE structures, namely, D4d, D4 and D2d have been proposed for this substance, the first having all C-C bonds equivalent and the other two having single and double C-C bonds. On the basis of the Raman spectra and electron diffraction studies, Langseth and co-workers1 favour the D4d structure. Lippincott and Lord2 are, however, inclined towards the D4 structure due to the presence of frequency 1655 in the Raman spectrum which has been considered as a C=C frequency, whereas Fleet and co-workers3 favour the D2d structure on the basis of the infra-red studies. Both Langseth and Maccoll 4 have cited other evidence from the absorption and thermo-chemical data in favour of the resonating D4d structure, and Kaufman 5 from X-ray studies in the solid and Coulson and Moffitt6 from theoretical quantum mechanical treatment favour the D2d structure. © 1950 Nature Publishing Group.