Vibrational, N M R and dynamic N M R spectra, considered together with the results of theoretical studies, provide a complete and fairly accurate quantitative picture of the isomerism affecting the nitroenamines R2R3N-C( 1 ) R'=C(2) H-NO, (R' = H, Me). The compounds with primary or secondary amino groups ( R2 and/or R3 = H) exist as solvent-dependent equilibrium mixtures of the intramolecularly hydrogenbonded Z-form and the €-form; the latter isomer can adopt the Z and/or the € conformation around the C(1)-N single bond when R2 # R3. The compounds with a tertiary amino group exist solely in the Eform. Vibrational couplings occur inside the mesomeric system leading to an IR strong (medium or weak Raman) 'enamine' band at 1650-1550 cm-', the result of the asymmetrical coupling of the C=C and C( 1 )-N stretching modes, and when R' and R2 = H, with contributions of the in-plane N-H and C( 1 )-H bending modes. The N-0 stretchings do not contribute to the enamine band, but couple with other vibrations to give a weak IR and Raman band at 1530-1 480 cm-', with a main contribution of the v,(NO,), and a strong IR (medium or weak Raman) band, mainly v,(NO,), at 1280-1230 cm-'. The energy barriers to rotation around the C(l)=C(2) and C(1)-N bonds, and the AGt values for the ionization of the N-H group, indicated that the €e Z isomerization takes place by a thermal mechanism with dipolar transition state, with the contribution, in some of the compounds with an NH group, of an anionic mechanism.Nitroenamines have attracted interest because of their potential use in organic synthesis and their biological a ~t i v i t y . ~ A knowledge of the isomerism and electron distribution inside these mesomeric systems is of paramount importance in understanding their properties and reactivity. As in similar push-pull ethylenes, spectroscopic techniques combined with theoretical studies can provide information on these matters, and we have previously reported on the NMR and vibrational spectra of 3-amino-2-nitroacrylic (1) and 3-amino-2-nitro-NO2 C02Me R2 R3N C( R1 ) ==( 1 R ' = H 2 R L M ~ NO2 R2R3NC( R 1 ) 7 ( 3 R ' = H 4 R'=Me * The symbols indicate, in the order shown, the configuration around the C(l)=C(2) bond and the conformation around the C(1)-N single bond.