Cyclopropyl group

Structure and bonding

Due to the unfavoured bond angles (60°), cyclopropyl groups are highly strained. Two orbital models were proposed to describe the bonding situation. The Coulson-Moffit model uses bent bonds. The C-C bonds are formed by overlap of two sp-hybrid orbitals. To adapt to the small bond angle, there is some rehybridization resulting in sp~5-hybrids for the ring bonds and sp~2 for the C-H bonds. This model resembles the banana bond model for C=C double bonds (τ bonds).

Alternatively the structure can be explained with the Walsh model. Here the two sp-hybrids forming the ring bond are separated into one sp2-hybrid and one pure p-orbital. This corresponds to the π bond description of C=C double bonds.

Cyclopropyl groups are good donors in hyperconjugation resulting in a considerable stabilization of carbocations. In contrast to double bonds, stabilization of radicals is weaker and stabilization of carbanions is negligible. This is explained by the occupation of the π system with two more electrons, making the cyclopropyl methyl cation's HOMO isolobal to the allyl anion's HOMO.

Literature

• Zvi Rappoport (Ed.), The Chemistry of the Cyclopropyl Group, Band 1, Wiley, Chichester u. a. O., 1987. Vol 2, Wiley, Chichester 1995, ISBN 0-471-94074-7.

References

References

1. (April 2021). "Stereoelectronic effects: Perlin effects in cyclohexane‐derived compounds". Journal of Physical Organic Chemistry.