Hybridisation in norbornane and some derivatives by the method of maximum overlap

Abstract

Hybridisation in norbornane, camphenilane, isocamphane, and camphane, all of which contain a bicyclo[2,2,1]-heptane skeleton, is considered by applying the method of maximum overlap. Hybrids describing the methylene bridge have a much higher p-content, which is characteristic for strained bonds in cyclic systems. The calculated amounts of s-character for C–H bonds at carbon atoms 1 and 7 are consistent with experimental values for the spin–spin coupling constant J(¹³C–H).