The Molecular Structure of Cyclobutene, C_4H_6

Abstract

The molecular structure of cyclobutene has been studied by electron diffraction in the gas phase. The bond distance and bond angle results for a molecule of C_(2v) symmetry are C-C_(ave) = 1.537 ± 0.010 Å., C=C = 1.325 ± 0.04 Å. and ∠ C=C-C = 94.0 ± 0.8°; the lengths of the two types of single bonds probably do not differ by more than 0.06 Å. The bond lengths are discussed in connection with the possible effects of cross-ring repulsion, hyperconjugation, and angle stresses at the carbon atoms.

Additional details