The sigma,pi-mixing responsible for the Z,Z configuration of the title comp
ounds is indifferent to both withdrawing (NO2) and releasing (OMe) pi-elect
ron character of ortho-substituents, and the arrangement of aromatic rings
in the Z,E configuration orthogonally to the NSN plane is a universal way t
o overcome steric hindrances due to bulky (Bu-t, Br) ortho-substituents.