Abstract
The torsional angles in 31 N-phenyl-substituted azole derivatives have been estimated by use of the 13C substituent chemical shifts of the meta and para carbon atoms. Steric interaction between the C 5 substituent on the azole rings and the ortho hydrogen atoms of the benzene ring is the major cause of non-planarity in these compounds. The azole rings undergo structural deformation with varying substituents on the azole ring. The inductive effect of a number of azole and azolium rings is discussed.