CAMPHORIC ACID-DERIVATIVES AS COMPONENTS OF GLASS SYSTEMS - THE STRUCTURE OF 3-METHYL (1R,3S)-(-CAMPHORATE())

3-Methyl (1R,3S)-(+)-camphorate (III) has been found to have a wider p otential as a component of mixed carboxylate glasses than does the par ent acid, (1R,3S)-(+)-camphoric acid (I). The solution and solid-state structures of (III) have been determined by NMR (H-1 and C-13) and si ngle crystal X-ray diffraction, respectively. Infrared spectral and op tical rotation data are also presented. Each molecule is linked to two other molecules by strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds [O2 ... O3 = 2.716(Angstrom)] to give chains of molecules. With care, zinc camphora te can be successfully incorporated into glass forming systems, but it s scope is limited: the calcium and copper salts have no value as glas s formers. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.