An n→π* interaction in aspirin: implications for structure and reactivity.

Stereoelectronic effects modulate molecular structure, reactivity, and conformation. We find that the interaction between the ester and carboxyl moieties of aspirin has a previously unappreciated quantum mechanical character that arises from the delocalization of an electron pair (n) of a donor group into the antibonding orbital (π*) of an acceptor group. This interaction affects the physicochemical attributes of aspirin and could have implications for its pharmacology.