Structure of the complex of dimethylphenyl betaine with dichloroacetic acid studied by X-ray diffraction,DFT calculations,infrared and Raman spectra

The structure of the complex of dimethylphenyl betaine (DMPB) with dichloroacetic acid (DCA) (1) has been investigated by X-ray diffraction, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, and B3LYP/6-311 + + G(d,p) calculations. The crystal is monoclinic, space group P2₁. The acid is connected with betaine through the OH⋯O hydrogen bond of 2.480(2) Å. In the optimized structure the short, asymmetric O⋯O distance is 2.491 Å. FTIR spectrum shows a broad absorption in the 1500–400 cm⁻¹ region characteristic of very short OH⋯O hydrogen bond caused by Fermi resonance between νOH and overtones of δOH and γOH. In the Raman spectrum this broad absorption is not observed. The potential energy distributions (PED) were used for the assignments of IR and Raman frequencies in the experimental and calculated spectra. The FTIR and Raman spectra of the crystal complex are consistent with the X-ray results.     

Spectroscopic studies of the 1:1 complex of piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (isonipecotic acid) with 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol

The 1:1 complex of piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (isonipecotic acid, P4C) with 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol (DCNP), has been investigated by single-crystal X-ray analysis, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The hydrogen-bonded-ion-pair complex is observed in the crystalline state with the O⋯H⋯OOC hydrogen bond of 2.453(16) Å. FTIR spectrum shows a broad absorption in the 1600–400 cm⁻¹ region characteristic of very short OHO hydrogen bond, broken by the Evans holes. The complexes are joined through NH⋯O into a H-bonding network. The NH⋯O mode appears as a broad band in the range of 3100–2000 cm⁻¹. In the structure optimized at the B3LYP/6–311 + +G(d,p) level of theory the proton is transferred from DCNP to P4C, and molecules are joined through the O⋯HOOC hydrogen bond of 2.640 Å. The experimental and theoretical infrared spectra are discussed. Detail interpretation of the vibrational spectra has been carried out with the use of computed Potential Energy Distribution (PED).     

Spectroscopic studies of the 1:1 adduct of N-methylmorpholinium-acetate with hydrobromic acid in the crystalline and gaseous state

The 1:1 complex of N-methylmorpholinium-acetate, MMB, with hydrobromic acid (1) has been investigated by single-crystal X-ray analysis, infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The proton-transfer complex has been observed in the crystalline state, with the COOH⋯Br hydrogen bond with the O⋯Br distance of 3.107(2) Å. In the structure optimized at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) levels of theory the proton is closer to the bromide anion, with the BrH⋯OOC distance of 3.069 Å. The potential energy distributions (PED) have been used for the assignments of IR bands. The experimental and theoretical infrared spectra have been discussed.     

Molecular structure of caffeine as determined by gas electron diffraction aided by theoretical calculations

The molecular structure of caffeine (3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione) was determined by means of gas electron diffraction. The nozzle temperature was 185 °C. The results of MP2 and B3LYP calculations with the 6-31G⁷ basis set were used as supporting information. These calculations predicted that caffeine has only one conformer and some of the methyl groups perform low frequency internal rotation. The electron diffraction data were analyzed on this basis. The determined structural parameters (r_g and ∠_α) of caffeine are as follows: <r(NC)_ring> = 1.382(3) Å; r(CC) = 1.382(←) Å; r(CC) = 1.446(18) Å; r(CN) = 1.297(11) Å; <r(NC_methyl)> = 1.459(13) Å; <r(CO)> = 1.206(5) Å; <r(CH)> = 1.085(11) Å; ∠N₁C₂N₃ = 116.5(11)°; ∠N₃C₄C₅ = 121. 5(13)°; ∠C₄C₅C₆ = 122.9(10)°; ∠C₄C₅N₇ = 104.7(14)°; ∠N₉–C₄=C₅ = 111.6(10)°; <∠NCH_methyl> = 108.5(28)°. Angle brackets denote average values; parenthesized values are the estimated limits of error (3σ) referring to the last significant digit; left arrow in parentheses means that this parameter is bound to the preceding one.     

The effects of hydrogen on KOH activation of petroleum coke

KOH activation of petroleum coke (PC) was conducted with 30 vol%H₂ + 70 vol% N₂ as carrier gas. TG-DTG, FTIR, elemental analysis, N₂ adsorption, GC and XRD techniques were used to investigate the effects of hydrogen on the activation. During the initial stage of the activation, i.e. the carbonization of the PC, additional CH and CH₂ species were formed due to the chemisorption of hydrogen on the nascent sites of the PC created by the removal of the surface heteroatom groups. The formation of the CH and CH₂ species increased the quantity of ‘active sites’ which is favorable to the further activation reaction, and developed the porous structure of the activated carbons. The micropore volume and BET surface areas of the activated carbon prepared under 30 vol% H₂ + 70 vol% N₂ and with a relatively low KOH/PC weight ratio of 2:1 have been increased from 0.78 cm³/g and 1936 m²/g to 0.97 cm³/g and 2477 m²/g, respectively, compared to that prepared in pure N₂ atmosphere with the same KOH/PC ratio.     

CH⋯Ni interactions and cyano-bridged heteronuclear polymeric complexes studied by vibrational spectroscopy and quantum chemistry calculations

Three 1D bimetallic M(II)/Ni(II) (M = Cu, Zn and Cd) complexes, [Cu(OHepy)₂Ni(CN)₄]_n (1), [Zn(OHepy)₂Ni(CN)₄]_n (2) and [Cd(OHepy)₂Ni(CN)₄]_n (3) (2-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyridine abbreviated to OHepy), have been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, elemental, thermal analyses and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. FT-IR and Raman spectra of OHepy have been experimentally and theoretically investigated in the region of 4000–250 cm⁻¹. The corresponding vibrational assignments of OHepy are examined by means of B3LYP hybrid density functional theory (DFT) method together with 6-311++G(d, p) basis set. Moreover, reliable vibrational assignments have been made on the basis of potential energy distribution (PED). The structures of the complexes consist of one-dimensional polymeric chain M(OHepy)₂NCNi(CN)₂CNM(OHepy)²⁻, in which the M(II) and Ni(II) atoms are linked by CN groups. The nickel atom is fourfold coordinated with four cyanide-carbon atoms in a square planar arrangement and the metal(II) atoms are sixfold coordinated with two cyanide nitrogen, two OHepy nitrogen and two OHepy oxygen atoms, in a distorted octahedral arrangement. In all the complexes adjacent chains are connected by π⋯π, CH⋯Ni and OH⋯N hydrogen bonding interactions to form two and three dimensional networks.     

Raman spectroscopic study of CuO–V2O5–P2O5–CaO glass system

In order to evidence the structural changes induced by CuO and V₂O₅ in the phosphate glass network and their modifier or former role, x(CuO·V₂O₅)(100 − x)[P₂O₅·CaO] glass system was prepared and investigated using Raman spectroscopy (0 ≤ x ≤ 40 mol%).Raman spectra of the studied glasses present the specific bands of the phosphate glasses at low concentration of transition metal (TM) ions, but at higher concentration (x > 7 mol%) a strong depolymerization of the phosphate network appears; non-bridging oxygen atoms are involved in VOP and CuOP bonds and new short units are formed. For a high concentration of V₂O₅ (x > 10 mol%) the Raman bands of V₂O₅ prevail in the spectra; this fact suggests that vanadium oxide imposes its structural units in the network acting thus as a network glass former.2D correlation analysis was also applied for the concentration-dependent Raman spectra in order to verify the assignments of the vibration modes and to find correlations in the changes induced by TM ions content. 2D correlation maps indicate a good correlation between the bands at ∼705 cm⁻¹ assigned to POP stretching vibration and at ∼1175 cm⁻¹ assigned to PO₂ groups which suggest the depolymerization of the phosphate network. The correlation between the 1270 cm⁻¹ and 930 cm⁻¹ bands also suggests that V₂O₅ oxide is responsible for PO bonds breaking and POV formation.     

Nitrogen- and oxygen-bridged bidentate phosphaalkene ligands

An overview is given on synthesis and structures of new bidentate phosphaalkene ligands [(RMe₂Si)₂CP]₂E (E = O, NR, N^?) and (RMe₂Si)₂CPN(R′)PR′′₂. Exceptional properties of these ligands, extending beyond predictable properties of phosphaalkenes are: (i) the NSi bond cleavage of [(iPrMe₂Si)₂CP]₂NSiMe₃ with Au^I and Rh^I chloro complexes under mild conditions leading to binuclear complexes of the 6π-delocalised imidobisphosphaalkene anion [(iPrMe₂Si)₂CP]₂N^?, and (ii) the chlorotropic formation of molecular 1:2 Pd^II and Pt^II metallochloroylid complexes with novel ylid-type ligands [(RMe₂Si)₂CP(Cl)N(R)PR₂]^?, and the transformation of a P-platina-P-chloroylid complex into a C-platina phosphaalkene by intramolecular chlorosilane elimination. Properties of the heavier congeners [(RMe₂Si)₂CP]₂E (E = S, Se, Te, PR, P^?, As^?) and (RMe₂Si)₂CPEPR′′₂ (E = S, Se, Te) are also described.     

Fourier transformed infrared spectral investigations of molecular interactions in propionic acid–2-propanol binary system

FTIR spectra of propionic acid (PA), 2-propanol (PROH) and its binary mixtures with varying molefraction of the PA were recorded in the region 500–3500 cm^?1, to investigate the formation of hydrogen bonded complexes in a mixed system. The observed features in ν(CO), ν(CO) and δ(COH) of PA, ν(CO) of PROH and δ(COH) of PA + PROH have been explained in terms of the hydrogen bonding interactions between PROH and PA and dipole–dipole interaction. The dipole moment derivative for the above mentioned vibrational modes have also been predicted from the integrated absorbance. The intrinsic linewidth for the vibrational modes ν(CO) and δ(COH) of PA has been elucidated using Bondarev and Mardaeva model.     

Cyanate ester resin/graphene nanocomposite: Curing dynamics and network formation

The curing dynamics and network formation of cyanate ester resin/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites were studied by means of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopies. The incorporation of GO into the resin showed a strong catalytic effect on the cure of the resin, especially in the initial stages. Addition of 4 wt.% GO resulted in the decrease of curing temperature significantly about 97 °C. Activation energy of the nanocomposites also maintained at a low level till the end of the cure. The most effective catalytic behavior was observed with 1 wt.% GO. Both FT-IR and Raman spectra revealed that OH group in GO reacted with cyanate group OCN in the resin to form O(CNH)O bond in the early stages of the cure. These results could provide a low temperature curing route for cyanate ester resins with improved curing efficiency.     

Infrared spectra and UV-induced photochemistry of methyl aziridine-2-carboxylate isolated in argon and xenon matrices

Methyl aziridine-2-carboxylate (MA2C) has been isolated in low temperature argon and xenon matrices and its structure and photochemistry were studied by FTIR spectroscopy. The reactant as well as the main photoproducts were characterized by comparison of their experimental IR spectra with spectra calculated at the DFT(B3LYP)/6-311++G(d,p) level. The theoretical calculations predicted the existence of two low energy MA2C conformers, differing by the orientation of the OCCN dihedral angle. Both conformers were identified in the studied matrices. Both narrowband tunable and broadband UV irradiations of matrix-isolated MA2C yielded isomerization photoproducts resulting from cleavage of the CC and weakest CN bonds of the aziridine ring. Irradiation with UV laser-light at λ = 235 nm resulted in the formation of the E isomer of methyl 2-(methylimino)-acetate (MMIA) and the Z isomer of methyl 3-iminopropanoate (M3IP). Subsequent irradiation at 290 nm led to observation of new bands resulting from E → Z isomerization of MMIA, while bands due to M3IP remained unchanged. The photoproduced Z isomer of MMIA could be subsequently consumed upon higher-wavelength irradiation (λ = 330 nm). The initially produced MMIA conformer was found to obey the nonequilibrium of excited rotamers (NEER) principle. No photoproducts resulting from the cleavage of the strongest CN bond of the MA2C aziridine ring were observed, nor that of methyl 3-aminoacrylate (M3AA), which could in principle be obtained also by cleavage of the weakest CN bond of the MA2C aziridine ring, but would imply a different H-atom migration simultaneous with the ring opening process. These results indicate that both the differential electronic characteristics of the CN bonds of substituted aziridine rings and the type of required H-atom migration are major factors in determining the specific photochemistries of substituted aziridines. Photofragmentation reactions of MA2C were also observed, through identification of various related products, e.g., acetonitrile, methanol, methane, CO and CO₂.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic investigation of calamitic liquid crystalline system ethyl-[4-(4′-decyloxy)benzoyloxy]-benzoate (4-EDBB): A temperature dependent micro-Raman study and DFT calculations

A new liquid crystalline material containing diester linking group ethyl-[4-(4′-decyloxy)benzoyloxy]-benzoate (4-EDBB) was synthesized. The phase transition temperatures were noted by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the texture pattern were observed by polarizing optical microscopy (POM) and temperature dependent Raman study was employed to observe the transitions as well as to understand the molecular rearrangement during phase transition. The transitions were observed with all the three techniques but the Raman signature of crystal → smectic A transition is many fold and more precise and accurate. The correlation between intermolecular interaction and phase behaviour has been discussed using temperature dependence Raman data of CH in-plane bending and CO stretching vibrations. With the help of DFT method the possible dimers of 4-EDBB were optimized and the rotational isomers were also investigated. There exists weak hydrogen bonds at room temperature, which breaks as the temperature is increased causing the CH in-plane bending to shift lower and CO stretching vibrations to shift higher. The discussion of the temperature dependent Raman data reveals that at crystal → smectic A transition as a result of intra-molecular rotation the molecules transform from trans- to cis- conformer.     

Vapor–liquid equilibria for systems of diethyl carbonate and ketones and determination of group interaction parameters for the UNIFAC and ASOG methods

Densities and speeds of sound for the binary mixtures acetone, 2-butanone and 2-pentanone + diethyl carbonate, over the whole composition range, at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure have been measured. Excess molar volumes and deviations in isentropic compressibility for the binary systems were fitted to the Redlich–Kister polynomial. Isobaric vapor–liquid equilibria for the binary systems acetone + diethyl carbonate, 2-butanone + diethyl carbonate and 2-pentanone + diethyl carbonate at P = 101.3 kPa have been determined. The activity coefficients were calculated to be thermodynamically consistent and they were correlated with the Wilson, NRTL, UNIQUAC and Redlich–Kister equations. Interaction parameters related to the carbonate (OCOO) and ketone (CO) groups, in ASOG and UNIFAC methods, have been determined using our experimental VLE data.     

Reaction of the RuTp(PR3)Cl fragment with alkynols: Formation of carbene,vinylidene, allenylidene,and carbyne complexes

The reaction of RuTp(COD)Cl (1) with PR₃ (PR₃ = PPh₂ⁱPr, PⁱPr₃, PPh₃) and propargylic alcohols HCCCPh₂OH, HCCCFc₂OH (Fc = ferrocenyl), and HCCC(Ph)MeOH has been studied.In the case of PR₃ = PPh₂ⁱPr, PⁱPr₃ and HCCCPh₂OH, the 3-hydroxyvinylidene complexes RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(CCHC(Ph)₂OH)Cl (2a) and RuTp(PⁱPr₃)(CCHC(Ph₂)OH)Cl (2b) were isolated.With PR₃ = PPh₂ⁱPr and HCCCFc₂OH as well as with PR₃ = PPh₃ and HCCCPh₂OH dehydration takes place affording the allenylidene complexes RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(CCCFc₂)Cl (3b) and RuTp(PPh₃)(CCCPh₂)Cl (3c).Similarly, with PPh₂ⁱPr and HCCC(Ph)MeOH rapid elimination of water results in the formation of the vinylvinylidene complex RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(CCHC(Ph)CH₂)Cl (4).In contrast to the reactions of the RuTp(PR₃)Cl fragment with propargylic alcohols, with HCC(CH₂)_nOH (n = 2, 3, 4, 5) six-, and seven-membered cyclic oxycarbene complexes RuTp(PR₃)(C₄H₆O)Cl (5), RuTp(PR₃)(C₅H₈O)Cl (6), and RuTp(PR₃)(C₆H₁₀O)Cl (7) are obtained. On the other hand, with 1-ethynylcyclohexanol the vinylvinylidene complex RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(CCHC₆H₉)Cl (8) is formed. The reaction of the allenylidene complexes 3a–c with acid has been investigated. Addition of CF₃COOH to a solution of 3a–c resulted in the reversible formation of the novel RuTp vinylcarbyne complexes [RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(C–CHCPh₂)Cl]⁺ (9a), [RuTp(PPh₂ⁱPr)(C–CHCFc₂)Cl]⁺ (9b), and [RuTp(PPh₃)(C–CHCPh₂)Cl]⁺ (9c). The structures of 3a, 3b, and 5b have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Theoretical calculations of the substituent effect on molecular properties of the RCN⋯HF hydrogen-bonded complexes with R = NH2, CH3O,CH3, OH,SH, H,Cl, F,CF3, CN and NO2

DFT calculations with B3LYP and PBE1PBE functionals and 6–311++G(d,p) basis set have been performed in order to obtain molecular geometries, binding energies and vibrational properties of the RCN?HF H-bonded complexes with R = NH₂, CH₃O, CH₃, OH, SH, H, Cl, F, CF₃, CN and NO₂. As expected, it has been verified as a red-shift of the HF stretching frequency (ν_HF), in conformity with the elongation of the bond after complexation. On the other hand, the CN stretching frequency (ν_CN) is blue-shifted and corresponds to a shortening of the bond. The binding energies (ΔE_c), including BSSE and ZPVE corrections, show a linear correlation with several structural, electronic and vibrational properties. In particular, an important linear dependence between the binding energy and the calculated dipole moment of the free RCN molecule (μ_RCN) has been found. This result suggests that μ_RCN can be a useful quantity in order to predict the ability of this fragment to form a hydrogen-bond. The IR intensities of stretching and bending modes of complexed HF acid fragment are adequately interpreted through the atomic polar tensor of the hydrogen atom in HF using the modified CCFO model for infrared intensities. The new vibrational modes arising from complexation show several interesting features.     

The structure and two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy study of a new 2D polyoxomolybdate complex containing β-octamolybdate linked up by potassium ions: (4,4′-Hbpy)2(K2Mo8O26)

A novel compound, (4,4′-Hbpy)₂(K₂Mo₈O₂₆) 1 (bpy = bipydine), was synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray single analysis, thermalgravimetric analysis, one-dimensional (1D) infrared spectroscopy and two-dimensional (2D) correlation infrared spectroscopy under thermal perturbation. In the compound 1, the [Mo₈O₂₆] units link to potassium ions to form layer structure, and the protonated 4,4′-bpy are linked to chains by hydrogen bonds. The 2D IR correlation spectroscopy study indicates that the intensity changes of MoO, NH and CC stretching vibration are sensitive to the temperature variation, and the intensity changes of asymmetry stretching vibration of the terminal MoO occur prior to that of terminal MoO linked by K atom. At the same time, the peaks of asymmetry stretching vibrations of the terminal MoO and the stretching vibrations of NH split into two peaks respectively in 2D IR correlation spectroscopy.     

Probing the chemical reactivity of interfaces: Investigation on the interaction of dehydroindigo with Laponite by UV–vis,Raman and infrared spectroscopy

In this work, the interaction between dehydroindigo (an intermediary oxidized form of indigo) and Laponite clay was investigated. Dehydroindigo (DHI) has been detected when indigo is adsorbed by clay minerals, but it is relatively unstable and in the presence of water it turns back into indigo. It is, therefore, important to understand the factors that extend its stability and Laponite was chosen because the small aspect ratio implies in a large amount of silanol groups (SiOH) which would thus favor the DHI interaction through hydrogen bonding.A significant bathochromic shift (65 nm) of the DHI π®π* transition band in the visible region and changes in the relative intensities and position of the Raman bands at 1530, 1378 and 1167 cm⁻¹ assigned to ν(NCCN), δ(CN) and ν(CN) respectively, indicate that the interaction is stronger than expected for the van der Waals and polarization forces involved in the external surfaces interactions with the siloxane groups. It was also observed that DHI presents an enhanced photochemical stability when interacting with Laponite. These results indicate that hydrogen bonding between a DHI nitrogen atom and the −SiOH or MOH groups is mainly responsible for the behavior present in the DHI + Lap system.     

Understanding the reactivity of [WNAr(CH2tBu)2(CHtBu)] (Ar = 2,6-iPrC6H3) with silica partially dehydroxylated at low temperatures through a combined use of molecular and surface organometallic chemistry

Reaction of [WNAr(CH₂tBu)₂(CHtBu)] (Ar = 2,6-iPrC₆H₃) with silica partially dehydoxylated at 200 °C does not lead only to the expected bisgrafted [(SiO)₂WNAr(CHtBu)] species, but also surface reaction intermediates such as [(SiO)₂WNAr(CH₂tBu)₂]. All these species were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, 1D and 2D solid state NMR, elemental analysis and molecular models obtained by using silsesquioxanes. While a mixture of several surface species, the resulting material displays high activity in the olefin metathesis.     

Continous gradient temperature Raman Spectroscopy identifies flexible sites in proline and alanine peptides

Continuous gradient temperature Raman spectroscopy (GTRS) applies the temperature gradients utilized in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to Raman spectroscopy, providing a straightforward technique to identify molecular rearrangements that occur near phase transitions. Herein we apply GTRS and DSC to the solid dipeptides Ala-Pro, Pro-Ala, and the mixture Ala-Pro/Pro-Ala 2:1. A simple change in residue order resulted in dramatic changes in thermal stability and properties. Characteristic Pro vibrations were observed at ∼75 °C higher temperature in Pro-Ala than Ala-Pro. The appearance/disappearance of characteristic vibrational modes with increasing temperature showed that a double peak in the Ala-Pro major phase transition (174–184 °C) was due to a gauche to anti 165° rotation of H₃CC*NH₃ about C*. CH₂ rocking and wagging frequencies present in Pro-Ala were not observed in Ala-Pro. For Ala-Pro, the Ala ⁺NH_3, and Pro COO⁻ sites were flexible whereas the Pro ring moiety was not; since the OCN (C)₂ amide bond is planar the CNC moiety keeps the Pro ring rigid. For Pro-Ala, CH₂ sites in the Pro ring were flexible and the OCNH amide bond is perpendicular to the Pro ring. Since the mass of the Pro ring is significantly larger than the mass of the flexible Ala ⁺NH₃ moiety, Pro-Ala absorbs more thermal energy, corresponding to a higher phase transition temperature (240–260 °C). Ala-Pro, Pro-Ala, and Ala-Pro/Pro-Ala 2:1 exhibited α-helix, β-sheet, α-helix secondary structure conformations, respectively.     

Vibrational spectra of fluorene, 1-methylfluorene and 1,8-dimethylfluorene

In this paper, we report the gas phase infrared spectra of fluorene and its methylated derivatives using a heated multipass cell and argon as a carrier gas. The observed spectra in the 4000–400 cm⁻¹ range have been fitted using the modified scaled quantum mechanical force field (SQMFF) calculation with the 6-311G** basis. The advantage of using the modified SQMFF method is that it scales the force constants to find the best fit to the observed spectral lines by minimizing the fitting error. In this way we are able to assign all the observed fundamental bands in the spectra. With consecutive methyl substitutions two sets of bands are found to shift in a systematic way. The set of four aromatic CH stretching vibrations around 3000 cm⁻¹ shifts toward lower frequencies while the single most intense aromatic CH out-of-plane bending mode around 750 cm⁻¹ shifts toward higher frequencies. The reason for shifting of aromatic CH stretching frequency toward lower wave numbers with gradual methyl substitution has been attributed to the lengthening of the CH bonds due to the +I effect of the methyl groups to the ring current as revealed from the calculations. While the unexpected shifting of the aromatic CH out-of-plane bend toward higher wave numbers with increasing methyl substitution is ascribed to the lowering of the number of adjacent aromatic CH bonds on the plane of the benzene ring with gradual methyl substitutions.