Solvent promoted tautomerism in thione-containing tetraazatricyclics: evidence from 1 H NMR spectroscopy and transition state studies.

Tautomerism in the nitro substituted thione-containing traazatricyclics has been investigated. Evidence from 1 H NMR indicating the existence of the tautomers has been augmented with computational studies providing evidence of the stability or otherwise of these tautomers. The role of water and DMSO in the formation of the tautomers has been explained. The role of the nitro group in assisting in the formation of the tautomers has been discussed.