The molecular structure of maleimide: an electron diffraction study

Abstract The molecular structure of maleimide has been investigated by electron diffraction. The experimental data are consistent with a C 2v symmetry model. The following bond lengths ( r g ) and bond angles ( r c ) were determined:NC 1.409 = 0.003, CC 1.508 ± 0.003, C=C 1.344 ± 0.004, and C=O 1.206 ± 0.002 A; CNC 112.0 = 0.2, NCC 106.8 ± 0.2, NC=O 123.9 ± 0.3, and CCH 114.7 ± 1.3°. The electron diffraction structure is in agreement with the results of quantum chemical calculations. The bond lengths indicate a somewhat greater delocalization about the N atom than in the OCCCCO skeleton.