A conformational study of 1,2,4-trioxane molecule and several halogenated d
erivatives was performed via the AM 1 and PM3 semiempirical molecular orbit
al methods. Results are analyzed in a comparative fashion and discussed con
sidering available experimental data. Different factors determining molecul
ar stability of preferred conformations are pointed out in order to explain
their respective contributions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights
reserved.