[catarina1998]

how many conjugated atoms and how many conjugated electrons in this molecule?


the problem is i dont know if i should also count the 2 double bonds below the N. So, is it 12 conjugated atoms and 16 conjugated electrons (counting the double bond below the N), or 10 conj. atoms and 14 conj. electrons (not counting the double bond below the N)?

[Arkcon]

Hmm...i dont know the answer myself.  Hmmm...lets try to figure it out.  Draw in all unpaired electrons, like those on the oxygen, in addition to those on the nitrogen.  I dont expect the oxygen double bond conjugates, and neither do you, so maybe nitrogen has a similar problem?

[catarina1998]

So, we dont count the oxygen double bond and the bonds below the nitrogen, and count only the "linear chain" ("horizontal")?
That would be 9 conjugated atoms, and 10 conjugated electrons?

[rolnor]

The vinylalcohol to the right would convert to a aldehyde, not stable

[Dan]

Consider the conjugated π-system only. Only electrons in p/π-orbitals can be conjugated (e.g. the imine N lone pair does not count because it is orthogonal to the π-system), and only sp₂ hybridised atoms can be involved.

[catarina1998]

Okay thanks