Crystal and Molecular Structure of (E)-1,1′-Bitetralinylidene

The crystal structure of the title compound was determined by X-ray diffraction. The crystals have monoclinic symmetry with a=13.481(5), b=8.285(5), c=l3.092(3) A. β=96.24(3)°, and space group P21⁄n with Z=4. The final R-factor was 0.065 for 2191 independent reflections. The torsion angles of the C–Ph bonds are 47.4(4) and 44.4(4)°. The cyclohexene rings have approximate twist-boat conformations. The molecular structure in the crystal is compared with that in the solution phase, that of (E)-stilbenes, and the results of the molecular mechanics calculations. It is also discussed in relation to the molecular packing.