Geometry determination of tetrasubstituted stilbenes by proton NMR spectroscopy

A simple spectroscopic method was applied to determine the geometry of tetrasubstituted alkenes. The observation of the ⁵J-coupling constants in proton NMR spectra on the ¹³C satellite signals could confirm the previous misassignment of 2,3-diphenylbutene. Hence, the (E)-isomer showed a 1.5 Hz coupling constant, whereas the (Z)-isomer showed a 1.1 Hz coupling constant. Based on this new assignment and a stereospecific preparation, we also propose a revision concerning the NMR data of 2,3-diphenyl-2,3-butanediol