Abstract: The ¹H NMR and UV spectral data of 24 cinnamamides whose α-position was substituted with 13 types of groups are reported. The chemical shifts of β-H were calculated with empirical equation. The result shows that comparison of experimental values with calculated values can be used for concluding cis-or trans-configuration of these compounds. The chemical shifts of phenyl pretons can also give evidence for configuration. For the pairs of these compounds, the chemical shifts of protons on amide nitrogen and the UV spectra arc helpful for assigning configuration.

Key words: α-substituted cinnamamidcs, ^{1H NMR,} UV, Cis-trans configuration