Synthesis, characterization, and structural analysis of ethyl (2Z)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-cyano-3-(methoxyamino)prop-2-enoate

Ethyl (2Z)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-cyano-3-(methoxyamino)prop-2-enoate was prepared by reacting the lithium salt of ethyl cyanoacetate with (Z)-O-methyl-4-chloroben-zohydroximoyl fluoride. This compound crystallizes in space group Pbca,with lattice constants a=7.5740(15) A, b=11.337(2) A, and c=30.424(5) A at 110 K. Characterizations include spectrometric identifications employing IR, UV, and 1H and 13C NMR. The compound exists in the solid as the enamine tautomer, with the cyano group cis to the 4-chlorophenyl group (the Z configuration). The C=C and C–N bond distances are 1.3930(16) A and 1.3278(16) A, respectively. The N–H group forms a bifurcated hydrogen bond with acceptors C=O (intramolecular) and C≡N (intermolecular).