Conformational study of 2-phenylethylamine by molecular-beam Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy

The conformational preferences of the simplest amine neurotransmitter 2-phenylethylamine have been investigated using molecular beam Fourier transform microwave (MB-FTMW) spectroscopy. Two new conformers have been observed together with the two previously reported by Godfrey et al. [J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1995, 117, 8204]. The (14)N nuclear quadrupole hyperfine structure has been resolved for all four conformers. Comparison of the experimental rotational and quadrupole coupling constants with those calculated theoretically provides a conclusive test for the identification of all conformers. The two most stable conformers present a gauche (folded) disposition of the alkyl-amine chain and are stabilised by a weak NH...pi interaction between the amino group and the aromatic ring. The other two conformers show an anti (extended) arrangement of the alkyl-amine chain. Tunnelling splittings have been observed in the spectrum of one of the anti conformers. The post expansion relative abundances in the supersonic jet have been also investigated and related to the conformer energies.     

Two-dimensional chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy

Two-dimensional (2D) correlation techniques are developed for chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave (CP-FTMW) spectroscopy. The broadband nature of the spectrometer coupled with fast digital electronics permits the generation of arbitrary pulse sequences and simultaneous detection of the 8-18 GHz region of the microwave spectrum. This significantly increases the number of rotation transitions that can be simultaneously probed, as well as the bandwidth in both frequency dimensions. We theoretically and experimentally evaluate coherence transfer of three- and four-level systems to relate the method with previous studies. We then extend the principles of single-quantum and autocorrelation to incorporate broadband excitation and detection. Global connectivity of the rotational energy level structure is demonstrated through the transfer of multiple coherences in a single 2D experiment. Additionally, open-system effects are observed from irradiating many-level systems. Quadrature detection in the indirectly measured frequency dimension and phase cycling are also adapted for 2D CP-FTMW spectroscopy.     

Chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy of perfluoroiodoethane

The pure rotational spectrum of perfluoroiodoethane between 8.0 and 11.9 GHz has been measured on a search accelerated, correct intensity Fourier transform microwave (SACI-FTMW) spectrometer. The spectra is dense with 247 measured transitions in the given region. Only the anti conformer was observed for which rotational constants are reported. Nuclear electric quadrupole coupling constants due to the iodine-127 were determined and are reported. Also, two dipole forbidden/quadrupole allowed ΔJ=2 transitions were observed in the spectra. The observation of these transitions has been rationalized on the basis of near degeneracies between energy levels connected by χ_ab.     

Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy and Fourier transform microwave-millimeter wave double resonance spectroscopy of the ClOO radical

Pure rotational spectra of the ClOO radical for the (35)Cl and (37)Cl isotopomers have been observed using Fourier transform microwave and Fourier transform microwave-millimeter wave double resonance spectroscopy. The rotational, centrifugal, spin-rotation coupling, and hyperfine coupling constants have been determined by least-squares fits of the observed transition frequencies. The molecular constants indicate that the electronic ground state is 2A". The r(0) structure is determined to be r(0)(ClO)=2.075 A, r(0)(OO)=1.227 A, and theta;(0)(ClOO)=116.4 degrees . Several highly accurate ab initio calculations have also been performed. Some of them turned out to be inaccurate because it is necessary to take into account both static and dynamic electronic correlations. Only multireference (single and double) configuration interaction calculations with large basis sets reproduce the present experimental results. The anharmonic force constants obtained by the ab initio calculations are used to determine the r(e) structure, r(e)(ClO)=2.084(1) A, r(e)(OO)=1.206(2) A, and theta;(e)(ClOO)=115.4(1) degrees . Unique features of the ClOO radical have become clear by the present experiment and the ab initio calculations.     

The trans-isomer of formanilide studied by microwave Fourier transform spectroscopy

The rotational spectra of the trans-isomer of formanilide was recorded by microwave Fourier transform spectroscopy. The rotational and centrifugal distorsion constants as well as the quadrupole coupling constants have been accurately determined. It is shown that the stable conformation corresponds to a planar structure. The energy barrier between this conformation and the less stable one (the amino group lies in a plane perpendicular to the phenyl ring) has been evaluated by ab initio calculations.     

Detection of the triplet HC4N radical by Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy

The triplet HC₄N radical in a linear carbon-chain form has been detected by Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy for the first time. Rotational transitions with fine and hyperfine structures, about 130 lines in total, were observed in a pulsed-discharge-nozzle supersonic expansion of the HC₃N sample diluted in Ar buffer gas. The spectrum was assigned to the linear HC₄N radical by various combinations of discharge gases, by the rotational, fine and hyperfine structures, and most decisively, by comparison of the determined molecular constants with those of the HCCN radical.     

The pure rotational spectrum of cyclobutane-d1 observed by microwave Fourier transform spectroscopy

Pure rotational transitions of both equatorial and axial conformers of cyclobutane-d₁ in their vibronic ground state have been observed between 12 and 40 GHz with a pulsed microwave Fourier transform (MWFT) spectrometer. Twenty-four transitions of the equatorial as well as 29 transitions of the axial conformer with J⩽40 have been measured. Their assignment has been confirmed by microwave-microwave double-resonance experiments. Rotational constants and the quartic centrifugal distortion constants have been determined for both conformers from the measured frequencies. The r₀ structure has been deduced from these rotational constants.     

Determination of structural parameters for ferrocenecarboxaldehyde using Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy

Gas-phase structural parameters for ferrocenecarboxaldehyde have been determined using Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. Rotational transitions due to a-, b-, and c-type dipole moments were measured. Eighteen rotational constants were determined by fitting the measured transitions of various isotopomers using a rigid rotor Hamiltonian with centrifugal distortion constants. Least-squares fit and Kraitchman analyses have been used to determine the gas-phase structural parameters and the atomic coordinates of the molecule using the rotational constants for various isotopomers. Structural parameters determined from the least-squares fit are the Fe-C bond lengths to the cyclopentadienyl rings, r(Fe-C)=2.047(4) A, and the distance between the carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl rings, r(C-C)=1.430(2) A and r(C1-C1')=1.46(1) A of ring carbon and aldehyde carbon atom. Structural parameters were also obtained using density-functional theory calculations, and these were quite helpful in resolving ambiguities in the structural fit analysis, and providing some fixed parameters for the structural analysis. The results of the least squares and the calculations indicate that the carbon atoms of the Cp groups for ferrocenecarboxaldehyde are in an eclipsed conformation in the ground vibrational state.     

Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy of vinyldiacetylene, vinyltriacetylene, and vinylcyanodiacetylene

The rotational spectra of the three carbon chain molecules vinyldiacetylene (hex-1-ene-3,5-diyne, C(6)H(4)), vinyltriacetylene (oct-1-ene-3,5,7-triyne, C8H4), and its cyano analog vinylcyanodiacetylene (1-cyanohex-5-ene-1,3-diyne, C7H3N) have been observed for the first time by Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy of a supersonic molecular beam. The molecules were observed as products of an electrical discharge through selected precursor mixtures: ethylene/diacetylene and vinylacetylene/diacetylene for the pure hydrocarbon molecules and vinylacetylene/cyanoacetylene for vinylcyanodiacetylene. The measurements yield precise sets of rotational constants that compare very well with theoretical constants obtained by quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP/cc-pVTZ level of theory. Since these three carbon chains are similar in structure and composition to known astronomical molecules and because of their significant polarity, all three are candidates for radio astronomical detection.     

Probing thymine with laser ablation molecular beam Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy

Laser ablation in combination with molecular beam Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy has been used to establish unambiguously the presence of the diketo form of thymine in the gas phase and to obtain its structure.     

Some consequences of the Fourier transform in Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy

This paper reviews some of the differences between dispersive and Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectroscopy with the goal of highlighting some of the advantages and disadvantages of FT-Raman spectroscopy. In particular, the use of filters, Connes advantage, trading rules and the size of the multiplex and throughput advantages are discussed.     

Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy of HSiBr: exploring the Si-Br bond through quadrupole hyperfine coupling

The 1(01)-0(00) (9-10 GHz) and 2(02)-1(01) (18-19 GHz) rotational transitions of HSi 79Br and HSi 81Br have been measured in a pulsed discharge jet expansion to an experimental uncertainty of approximately 1 kHz using Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. The data have yielded an effective rotational constant, the centrifugal distortion constant Dj, the bromine nuclear quadrupole coupling constants, and the bromine nuclear spin-molecular rotation interaction parameter for both isotopomers. The derived parameters have been compared to their values calculated ab initio, and the nuclear quadrupole coupling tensor has been used to investigate the Si-Br bond, giving a sigma bond ionic character of 0.60, a pi bond character of 0.22, and a total Si-Br ionic character of 0.38. These bond characteristics have been compared to trends in other halosilylenes, silanes, and the analogous carbenes.     

Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy: Its value in the study of polymers

The advantages of FT Raman spectroscopy, using a near-infrared excitation source, are discussed. The details of the instrumentation are described and the many applications of FT Raman spectroscopy in polymer science are surveyed.     

Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy of the isocyanomethyl radical, CH(2)NC

The pure rotational spectrum of the isocyanomethyl radical, CH(2)NC, was measured for the first time by using a Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. The molecule was produced by a discharge of isocyanomethane, CH(3)NC, diluted in Ar or Ne. The spectral lines due to the N=1-0 and 2-1 transitions were recorded near 22 and 44 GHz, respectively. The observed spectrum showed a complicated fine and hyperfine structure because of the same order of interaction energies. Among the 39 spectral lines detected and assigned, the transitions with K(a)=1 show no hyperfine splitting due to the hydrogen nuclei, suggesting planarity for the molecule. Molecular constants such as rotational and spin-rotational parameters including centrifugal effects and hyperfine coupling constants due to both the nitrogen and the hydrogen nuclei were accurately determined. The structure and the astronomical implications of the molecule are discussed.     

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study of nanostructured nickel oxide

Nanostructured nickel oxide having different average particle sizes ranging from 3 to 16 nm were synthesized and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the samples were recorded in the far infrared (IR) region. The spectra were found to be dominated by surface mode absorptions with no distinct absorption corresponding to the bulk transverse optical mode. IR absorption coefficient, alpha, for the nanostructured NiO samples were calculated as a function of frequency using a macroscopic approach devised by Fuchs. The effects of crystalline geometry, numerical values of optical constants, filling factor and increased damping on the spectral features of the samples were analyzed. Though the simulations approximately reproduced the occurrence of a shoulder in the experimental spectra, the most intense peak in the simulated spectra was found to be about 50 cm(-1) above the corresponding experimentally observed peak. It was shown that the experimentally observed absorption maximum of all the samples were in close agreement with that determined using a microscopic theory based on the rigid ion model. The weak absorption peaks in the frequency region 60-100 cm(-1) appearing in the spectra of all the samples were identified as surface induced transverse acoustical modes, omegaTA, which became IR active due to the breakdown of translational symmetry in the nanocrystallites.     

Hyperfine resolved spectrum of the bromomethyl radical, CH2Br, by Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy

Pure rotational spectra of the bromomethyl radical, CH(2)Br, were measured by using a Fourier transform microwave (FT-MW) spectrometer in order to fully resolve hyperfine structures arising from both the bromine and hydrogen nuclei. We detected a total of 124 lines for the (79)Br and (81)Br isotopomers, including K(a)=0 (ortho species) and K(a)=1 (para species). No hyperfine splitting due to the hydrogen nuclei was observed for the para species, directly confirming the planarity of the radical. We conducted a global analysis of our present FT-MW results and previous measurements in the millimeter-wave region and obtained an exhaustive list of molecular constants. The sign of the Fermi constant of the bromine nucleus was unambiguously determined to be positive, which is opposite to that found in previous work in the millimeter-wave region and in electron spin resonance experiment on this radical. The present study permitted a systematic comparison to be made of the hyperfine coupling constants of both the halogen and hydrogen nuclei for CH(2)X-type compounds, where X=F, Cl, and Br.     

Chirped pulse Fourier transform microwave study of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl formate

The rotational spectra of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl formate and its three (13)C isotopologues have been measured with a molecular-beam-based, chirped-pulsed Fourier transform microwave spectrometer in combination with a conventional Balle-Flygare-type instrument up to 18 GHz. Although ab initio calculations predict the presence of two low-energy conformers (analogous to the trans and gauche forms of ethyl formate), the trans isomer was the only stable conformer observed. The r(s) geometry of the molecular main carbon frame was precisely derived based on a coplanar heavy-atom backbone of this conformer. ESPs of the two lowest energy conformers were calculated to obtain information about the role of through-space effects on their structures and relative stability.     

Rotational spectrum of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-butanone using chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy

The pure rotational spectra of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-butanone and its four (13)C isotopologues have been studied using the new chirped-pulsed Fourier transform microwave spectrometer at the University of Manitoba in combination with a conventional Balle-Flygare-type instrument. Quantum chemical calculations, at the MP2/6-311++G(d,p) level, were carried out to obtain information about the structure, relative stability, and difference in populations of the three lowest energy conformers corresponding to dihedral angles of 0°, 82.8°, and 119.2° along the carbon backbone. The observed spectra are that of conformer I (dihedral angle 0°), and, based on analysis of the observed splitting, the V(3) barrier to internal rotation of the methyl group has been determined to be 9.380(5) kJ mol(-1). The spectroscopic constants of the five isotopologues were used to precisely derive the r(s) and partial r(0) geometries of this conformer based on an assumed planar carbon backbone (as supported by the spectra and ab initio calculations).