Diode laser spectroscopy of the ν8 band of the SF5Cl molecule

Diode laser spectra of SF(5)Cl have been recorded in the nu(8) band region at a temperature of ca. 240 K, a pressure of 0.25 mbar and an instrumental bandwidth of ca. 0.001 cm(-1). Four regions have been studied: a first one in the P-branch (906.849-907.687 cm(-1)), a second one in the Q-branch (910.407-910.944 cm(-1)), and two other ones in the R-branch (913.957-914.556 and 917.853-918.705 cm(-1) ). The whole nu(1)/nu(8) dyad of SF(5)35Cl has been previously recorded in the group of Professor H. Burger in Wuppertal, thanks to a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. These data have thus been combined with our diode laser ones in the aim of refining the analysis. We used an effective Hamiltonian developed up to the fourth order and a set of programs called C(4nu)TDS. One thousand three hundred and forty-six transitions for nu(1), 495 (FTIR: 351; diode laser: 144) transitions for nu(8), and 406 ground state combination differences have been assigned and fitted. A global fit has been obtained with a rms of 0.00081 cm(-1) for the nu(1) band, 0.0012 cm(-1) for the FTIR data of the nu(8) band, 0.00055 cm(-1) for the diode laser data of this same band, and 0.00064 cm(-1) for the ground state. It appears that more data (for instance, using a supersonic jet) are still necessary to obtain a completely satisfactory analysis of the nu(8) region.     

Infrared diode laser spectroscopy of the deltanu=2 band of AlF

A vibrational-rotational spectrum of the deltanu=2 transitions of a high-temperature molecule AlF was observed between 1,490 and 1,586 cm(-1) with a diode laser spectrometer. Measurements were made on the nu=3-1, 4-2, 5-3 and 8-6 bands at a temperature of 900 degrees C. Measured spectral lines were fitted to effective band constants nu(0), B(nu) and D(nu) for each band. Present measurements were made with only one Pb-salt laser diode. Physical significance of the effective band constants is discussed.     

High-resolution infrared study of vinyl fluoride in the 750-1050 cm(-1) region: rovibrational analysis and resonances involving the nu8, nu10, and nu11 fundamentals

The FTIR spectra of CH2[double bond]CHF have been investigated in the nu(8), nu(10), and nu(11) region between 750 and 1050 cm(-1) at a resolution of about 0.002 cm(-1). The nu(8) vibration of symmetry species A' gives rise to an a/b-type hybrid band, while the nu(10) and nu(11) modes of A' ' symmetry produce c-type absorptions. Due to the proximity of their band origins, the three vibrations perturb each other by Coriolis and high-order anharmonic resonances. In particular, the interactions between the nu(8) and nu(10) modes are very strong and widespread with band origins separated by only 1.37 cm(-1). Besides the expected c-type characteristics, the nu(10) band shows a very intense pseudo a-type component caused by the strong first-order Coriolis resonances with the nu(8) state. Furthermore, the 2nu(9) "dark state" was found to be involved in the interacting band systems. The spectral analysis resulted in the identification of 3144, 3235, and 3577 transitions of the nu(8), nu(10), and nu(11) vibrations, respectively. Almost all the assigned data were simultaneously fitted using the Watson's A-reduction Hamiltonian in the Ir representation and the perturbation operators. The model employed includes nine types of resonances within the tetrad nu(8)/nu(10)/nu(11)/2nu(9) and a set of spectroscopic constants for the nu(8), nu(10), and nu(11) fundamentals as well as parameters for the "dark state" 2nu(9), and fourteen coupling terms have been determined.     

Fermi interaction between the nu1 and the nu2+4 nu(s) bands of Ar...DN2(+)

Two rotationally fully resolved vibrational bands have been assigned unambiguously to the linear deuteron bound Ar...DN(2) (+) complex by using ground state combination differences. The ionic complex is formed in a supersonic planar plasma expansion optimized and controlled by a mass spectrometer and is detected in direct absorption using tunable diode lasers and applying production modulation spectroscopy. The band origins are located at 2436.272 cm(-1) and at 2435.932 cm(-1) and correspond to the nu(1) band (NN stretch) and to the nu(2)+4 nu(s) combination band (DN and intermolecular stretch), respectively. The two bands overlap strongly and the large intensity of the combination band is explained in terms of a Fermi interaction. This interaction perturbs the observed transitions, particularly for low J values. Least-squares fitting yields values for the Fermi interaction parameters of F(0)=0.332 cm(-1) and F(J)=-0.001 46 cm(-1) and results in accurate rotational constants. These are discussed both from an experimental and a theoretical point of view.     

Infrared laser spectroscopy of jet cooled cobalt tricarbonyl nitrosyl

Rotationally resolved infrared absorption spectra for the 1(0)(1) band of jet cooled cobalt tricarbonyl nitrosyl have been observed and analyzed. Several longitudinal modes of a Pb-salt diode laser were utilized to measure 105 rovibrational transitions for this particular vibrational band centered near 2112 cm(-1). Spectra were optimized using both argon and helium carrier gases and these experiments eventually led to rovibrational transitions being assigned to four different K subbands, specifically the K = 0, 3, 6, and 9 subbands. An iterative least-squares analysis of the spectroscopic data yielded the following molecular parameters nu0 = 2111.7457(9) cm(-1), B0 = 0.034747(12) cm(-1), B1 = 0.034695(15) cm(-1), C1 = 0.03380(9) cm(-1), and D1K = 6.3(9) x 10(-6) cm(-1) (where 3sigma uncertainties are listed in parenthesis).     

Jet-cooled diode laser spectra of CF3Br in the 9.2 microm region and rovibrational analysis of symmetric CF3 stretching mode

Pulsed slit-jet high resolution (up to 0.0009 cm(-1) FWHM) infrared diode laser spectra of CF(3)Br, with natural isotopic abundance, were obtained in the region around 9.2 microm at the rotational temperature of about 50 K. In addition, diode laser spectra at reduced temperature (200 K) were recorded. We present here the rovibrational analysis of the nu(1) fundamental in the range 1075-1090 cm(-1). The fine structure of many P(J) and R(J) clusters has been well resolved for the first time. The assignment of rovibrational transitions has been accomplished up to K = 27, J = 63 for CFBr and K = 33, J = 62 for CFBr. A total of 636 (CFBr) and 880 (CFBr) lines were used in the final fit and a very accurate set of molecular constants, including the quartic centrifugal distortion coefficients for the v(1) = 1 state of both the bromine isotopologues, was obtained. In addition, spectral features belonging to the nu(1) + nu(6)-nu(6) hot band were unambiguously identified and a set of spectroscopic parameters were determined.     

The near infrared spectrum of ozone by CW-cavity ring down spectroscopy between 5850 and 7000 cm(-1): new observations and exhaustive review

Weak vibrational bands of (16)O(3) could be detected in the 5850-7030 cm(-1) spectral region by CW-cavity ring down spectroscopy using a set of fibered DFB diode lasers. As a result of the high sensitivity (noise equivalent absorption alpha(min) approximately 3 x 10(-10) cm(-1)), bands reaching a total of 16 upper vibrational states have been previously reported in selected spectral regions. In the present report, the analysis of the whole investigated region is completed by new recordings in three spectral regions which have allowed: (i) a refined analysis of the nu(1) + 3nu(2) + 3nu(3) band from new spectra in the 5850-5900 cm(-1) region; (ii) an important extension of the assignments of the 2nu(1)+5nu(3) and 4nu(1) + 2nu(2) + nu(3) bands in the 6500-6600 cm(-1) region, previously recorded by frequency modulation diode laser spectroscopy. The rovibrational assignments of the weak 4nu(1) + 2nu(2) + nu(3) band were fully confirmed by the new observation of the 4nu(1) + 2nu(2) + nu(3)- nu(2) hot band near 5866.9 cm(-1) reaching the same upper state; (iii) the observation and modelling of three A-type bands at 6895.51, 6981.87 and 6990.07 cm(-1) corresponding to the highest excited vibrational bands of ozone detected so far at high resolution. The upper vibrational states were assigned by comparison of their energy values with calculated values obtained from the ground state potential energy surface of (16)O(3). The vibrational mixing and consequently the ambiguities in the vibrational labelling are discussed. For each band or set of interacting bands, the spectroscopic parameters were determined from a fit of the corresponding line positions in the frame of the effective Hamiltonian (EH) model. A set of selected absolute line intensities was measured and used to derive the parameters of the effective transition moment operator. The exhaustive review of the previous observations gathered with the present results is presented and discussed. It leads to a total number of 3863 energy levels belonging to 21 vibrational states and corresponding to 7315 transitions. In the considered spectral region corresponding to up to 82% of the dissociation energy, the increasing importance of the "dark" states is illustrated by the occurrence of frequent rovibrational perturbations and the observation of many weak lines still unassigned.     

Infrared laser spectroscopy of jet-cooled carbon clusters: the nu 5 band of linear C9

The nu 5 antisymmetric stretching vibration of 1 sigma+g C9 has been observed using direct infrared diode laser absorption spectroscopy of a pulsed supersonic cluster beam. Twenty-eight rovibrational transitions measured in the region of 2079-2081 cm-1 were assigned to this band. A combined least squares fit of these transitions with previously reported nu 6 transitions yielded the following molecular constants for the nu 5 band: nu 0 = 2 079.673 58(17) cm-1, B"= 0.014 321 4(10) cm-1, and B'=0.014 288 9(10) cm-1. The IR intensity of the nu 5 band relative to nu 6 was found to be 0.108 +/- 0.006. Theoretical predictions for the relative intensities vary widely depending upon the level of theory employed, and the experimental value reported here is in reasonable agreement only with the result obtained from the most sophisticated ab initio calculation considered (CCSD).     

Decay of the transient Cu(B)-CO complex is accompanied by formation of the heme Fe-CO complex of cytochrome cbb(3)-CO at ambient temperature: evidence from time-resolved Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Time-resolved step-scan Fourier infrared spectroscopy has been used to study the CO-bound cbb(3)-type cytochrome c oxidase from Pseudomonas stutzeri at room temperature. We observe a single band in the FTIR spectrum at 1956 cm(-1) (beta-form). The time-resolved data indicate that upon photolysis, CO is transferred from heme b(3) (nu(CO) = 1956 cm(-1)) to CuB (nu(CO) = 2064 cm(-1)). The decay of the 2065 cm(-1) peak (t(1/2) = 120 +/- 16 ms) and the development of the 1956 cm(-1) peak (t(1/2) = 144 +/- 8 ms ) suggest that formation of the Fe-CO complex is concurrent with the decay of the CuB-CO complex. The intensity ratio of the Fe-CO/CuB-CO (2.15) remains constant for all data points, and thus we conclude that no fraction of CO escapes the binuclear center at 293 K.     

High-resolution rovibrational analysis of the Nu4 band of cis-1,2-difluoroethylene

The diode laser spectrum of cis-1,2-CHF=CHF has been measured and analyzed in the nu4 fundamental region near 1016 cm(-1). This vibration of symmetry species A1 corresponds to the C-F symmetric stretching motion and gives rise to a strong b-type band. The rovibrational analysis, extended to the P, Q, and R branches, led to the identification of 2800 lines with J < or = 62, Ka < or = 18, Kc < or = 62. The assigned transitions free of major resonance contributions, fitted using Watson's A-reduction Hamiltonian in the Ir representation, yielded a set of spectroscopic parameters up to the quartic coefficients for the V4 = 1 state. Several perturbation effects occur throughout the band, mainly caused by the first-order c-type Coriolis interaction with the nu5 + nu11, vibrational state. Even though no transitions to the perturbing level were observed, the band orign and the rotational constants for the perturber were determined from a dyad model which includes the Coriolis interaction term.     

Excited states of nitro-polypyridine metal complexes and their ultrafast decay. Time-resolved IR Absorption, spectroelectrochemistry, and TD-DFT calculations of fac-[Re(Cl)(CO)3(5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline)

The lowest absorption band of fac-[Re(Cl)(CO)3(5-NO2-phen)] encompasses two close-lying MLCT transitions. The lower one is directed to LUMO, which is heavily localized on the NO2 group. The UV-vis absorption spectrum is well accounted for by TD-DFT (G03/PBEPBE1/CPCM), provided that the solvent, MeCN, is included in the calculations. Near-UV excitation of fac-[Re(Cl)(CO)3(5-NO2-phen)] populates a triplet metal to ligand charge-transfer excited state, 3MLCT, that was characterized by picosecond time-resolved IR spectroscopy. Large positive shifts of the nu(CO) bands upon excitation (+70 cm(-1) for the A'1 band) signify a very large charge separation between the Re(Cl)(CO)3 unit and the 5-NO2-phen ligand. Details of the excited-state character are revealed by TD-DFT calculated changes of electron density distribution. Experimental excited-state nu(CO) wavenumbers agree well with those calculated by DFT. The 3MLCT state decays with a ca. 10 ps lifetime (in MeCN) into another transient species, that was identified by TRIR and TD-DFT calculations as an intraligand 3npi excited state, whereby the electron density is excited from the NO2 oxygen lone pairs to the pi system of 5-NO2-phen. This state is short-lived, decaying to the ground state with a approximately 30 ps lifetime. The presence of an npi state seems to be the main factor responsible for the lack of emission and the very short lifetimes of 3MLCT states seen in all d6-metal complexes of nitro-polypyridyl ligands. Localization of the excited electron density in the lowest 3MLCT states parallels localization of the extra electron in the reduced state that is characterized by a very small negative shift of the nu(CO) IR bands (-6 cm(-1) for A'1) but a large downward shift of the nu(s)(NO2) IR band. The Re-Cl bond is unusually stable toward reduction, whereas the Cl ligand is readily substituted upon oxidation.     

Overtone spectroscopy of H2D+ and D2H+ using laser induced reactions

The method of laser induced reaction is used to obtain high-resolution IR spectra of H2D+ and D2H+ in collision with n-H2 at a nominal temperature of 17 K. For this purpose three cw-laser systems have been coupled to a 22-pole ion trap apparatus, two commercial diode laser systems in the ranges of 6100-6600 cm(-1) and 6760-7300 cm(-1), respectively, and a high-power optical parametric oscillator tunable in the range of 2600-3200 cm(-1). In total, 27 new overtone and combination transitions have been detected for H2D+ and D2H+, as well as a weak line in the nu1 vibrational band of H2D+ (2(20)<--1(01)) at 3164.118 cm(-1). The line positions are compared to high accuracy ab initio calculations, showing small but mode-dependent differences, being largest for three vibrational quanta in the nu2 symmetric bending of H2D+. Within the experimental accuracy, the relative values of the ab initio predicted Einstein B coefficients are confirmed.     

Resonance Raman intensity analysis of the excited state proton transfer dynamics of 2-nitrophenol in the charge-transfer band absorption

Resonance Raman spectra were obtained for 2-nitrophenol in cyclohexane solution with excitation wavelengths in resonance with the charge-transfer (CT) proton transfer band absorption. These spectra indicate that the Franck-Condon region photodissociation dynamics have multidimensional character with motion along more than 15 normal modes: the nominal CCH bend+CC stretch nu(12) (1326 cm(-1)), the nominal CCC bend nu(23) (564 cm(-1)), the nominal CO stretch+NO stretch+CC stretch nu(14) (1250 cm(-1)), the nominal CCH bend+CC stretch+COH bend nu(15) (1190 cm(-1)); the nominal CCH bend+CC stretch nu(17) (1134 cm(-1)), the nominal CCC bend+CC stretch nu(22) (669 cm(-1)), the nominal CCN bend nu(27) (290 cm(-1)), the nominal NO(2) bend+CC stretch nu(21) (820 cm(-1)), the nominal CCO bend+CNO bend nu(25) (428 cm(-1)), the nominal CC stretch nu(7) (1590 cm(-1)), the nominal NO stretch nu(8) (1538 cm(-1)), the nominal CCC bend+NO(2) bend nu(20) (870 cm(-1)), the nominal CC stretch nu(6) (1617 cm(-1)), the nominal COH bend+CC stretch nu(11) (1382 cm(-1)), nominal CCH bend+CC stretch nu(9) (1472 cm(-1)). A preliminary resonance Raman intensity analysis was done and the results for 2-nitrophenol were compared to previously reported results for nitrobenzene, p-nitroaniline, and 2-hydroxyacetophenone. The authors briefly discuss the differences and similarities in the CT-band absorption excitation of 2-nitrophenol relative to those of nitrobenzene, p-nitroaniline, and 2-hydroxyacetophenone.     

Probing the ruthenium-cumulene bonding interaction: synthesis and spectroscopic studies of vinylidene- and allenylidene-ruthenium complexes supported by tetradentate macrocyclic tertiary amine and comparisons with diphosphine analogues of ruthenium and osmium

The synthesis and spectroscopic properties of trans-[Cl(16-TMC)Ru[double bond]C[double bond]CHR]PF(6) (16-TMC = 1,5,9,13-tetramethyl-1,5,9,13-tetraazacyclohexadecane, R = C(6)H(4)X-4, X = H (1), Cl (2), Me (3), OMe (4); R = CHPh(2) (5)), trans-[Cl(16-TMC)Ru[double bond]C[double bond]C[double bond]C(C(6)H(4)X-4)(2)]PF(6) (X = H (6), Cl (7), Me (8), OMe (9)), and trans-[Cl(dppm)(2)M[double bond]C[double bond]C[double bond]C(C(6)H(4)X-4)(2)]PF(6) (M = Ru, X = H (10), Cl (11), Me (12); M = Os, X = H (13), Cl (14), Me (15)) are described. The crystal structures of 1, 5, 6, and 8 show that the Ru-C(alpha) and C(alpha)-C(beta) distances of the allenylidene complexes fall between those of the vinylidene and acetylide relatives. Two reversible redox couples are observed by cyclic voltammetry for 6-9, with E(1/2) values ranging from -1.19 to -1.42 and 0.49 to 0.70 V vs Cp(2)Fe(+/0), and they are both 0.2-0.3 and 0.1-0.2 V more reducing than those for 10-12 and 13-15, respectively. The UV-vis spectra of the vinylidene complexes 1-4 are dominated by intense high-energy bands at lambda(max) < or = 310 nm (epsilon(max) > or = 10(4) dm(3) mol(-1) cm(-1)), while weak absorptions at lambda(max) > or = 400 nm (epsilon(max) < or = 10(2) dm(3) mol(-1) cm(-1)) are tentatively assigned to d-d transitions. The resonance Raman spectrum of 5 contains a nominal nu(C[double bond]C) stretch mode of the vinylidene ligand at 1629 cm(-1). The electronic absorption spectra of the allenylidene complexes 6-9 exhibit an intense absorption at lambda(max) = 479-513 nm (epsilon(max) = (2-3) x 10(4) dm(3) mol(-1) cm(-1)). Similar electronic absorption bands have been found for 10-12, but the lowest energy dipole-allowed transition is blue-shifted by 1530-1830 cm(-1) for the Os analogues 13-15. Ab initio calculations have been performed on the ground state of trans-[Cl(NH(3))(4)Ru[double bond]C[double bond]C[double bond]CPh(2)](+) at the MP2 level, and imply that the HOMO is not localized purely on the metal center or allenylidene ligand. The absorption band of 6 at lambda(max) = 479 nm has been probed by resonance Raman spectroscopy. Simulations of the absorption band and the resonance Raman intensities show that the nominal nu(C[double bond]C[double bond]C) stretch mode accounts for ca. 50% of the total vibrational reorganization energy, indicating that this absorption band is strongly coupled to the allenylidene moiety. The excited-state reorganization of the allenylidene ligand is accompanied by rearrangement of the Ru[double bond]C and Ru[bond]N (of 16-TMC) fragments, which supports the existence of bonding interaction between the metal and C[double bond]C[double bond]C unit in the electronic excited state.     

Rovibrationally selected and resolved pulsed field ionization-photoelectron study of propyne: ionization energy and spin-orbit interaction in propyne cation

By using a high-resolution infrared (IR) laser to prepare propyne (C(3)H(4)) in selected rotational levels of the excited nu(1) (acetylenic C-H stretching) vibration mode prior to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE) measurements, we have obtained rotationally resolved VUV-PFI-PE spectra for the C(3)H(4) (+)(X (2)E(32,12),nu(1) (+)=1) band. The analysis of these PFI-PE spectra leads to the determination of the spin-orbit constant of A=-13.0+/-0.2 cm(-1) for the C(3)H(4) (+)(X (2)E(32,12),nu(1) (+)=1) state. Using this A constant and the relative rotationally selected and resolved state-to-state photoionization cross sections thus measured, we have obtained an excellent simulation for the VUV-PFI-PE origin band of C(3)H(4) (+)(X (2)E(32,12)), yielding a value of 83 619.0+/-1.0 cm(-1) (10.367 44+/-0.000 12 eV) for the adiabatic ionization energy of C(3)H(4) [IE(C(3)H(4))]. The present two-color IR-VUV-PFI-PE study has also made possible the determination of the C-H stretching frequencies nu(1) (+)=3217.1+/-0.2 cm(-1) for C(3)H(4) (+)(X (2)E(32,12)). The spectral assignment and simulation were guided by high-level ab initio calculations on the IE(C(3)H(4)), Franck-Condon factors for photoionization transitions, and rotational constants and vibrational frequencies for C(3)H(4) (+).     

Pi-acid/pi-base carbonyloxomolybdenum(IV) complexes and their oxomolybdenum(VI/IV) precursors

Brown TpiPrMoO(SR)(CO) (TpiPr = hydrotris(3-isopropylpyrazol-1-yl)borate; R = Et, iPr, Ph, p-tol, Bz) are formed when TpiPrMoO(SR)(NCMe) react with CO gas in toluene. The carbonyloxomolybdenum(IV) complexes exhibit nu(CO) and nu(Mo=O) IR bands at ca. 2025 and 935 cm(-1), respectively, and NMR spectra indicative of C(1) symmetry, with delta(C)(CO) ca. 250. The crystal structure of TpiPrMoO(SiPr)(CO), the first for a mononuclear carbonyloxomolybdenum complex, revealed a distorted octahedral geometry, with d(Mo=O) = 1.683(3) A, d(Mo-C) = 2.043(5) A, and angle(O=Mo-C) = 90.87(16) degrees . The blue-green acetonitrile precursors are generated by reacting cis-TpiPrMoO2(SR) with PPh3; they are unstable, display a single nu(Mo=O) IR band at ca. 950 cm(-1), and exhibit NMR spectra consistent with C1 symmetry. Red-brown cis-TpiPrMoO2(SR) (R = as above and tBu) are formed by metathesis of TpiPrMoO2Cl and HSR/NEt3 in dichloromethane. The complexes exhibit strong nu(MoO2) IR bands at ca. 925 and 895 cm(-1), and NMR spectra indicative of Cs symmetry; the isopropyl, p-tolyl, and benzyl derivatives possess distorted octahedral geometries, with d(Mo=O)(av) = 1.698 A and angle(MoO(2))(av) = 103.5 degrees.     

Vibrational spectra of germanium-carbon clusters. II. GeC(7) and GeC(9)

Experimental and theoretical studies of a novel family of germanium-carbon clusters (Ge(n)C(m)) that were initiated with our earlier identification of the GeC(3)Ge cluster have now been extended to the GeC(7) and GeC(9) chains. The new clusters, which were formed by laser ablation and trapped in solid Ar at approximately 10 K, have been identified using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) measurements coupled with density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. The nu(1)(sigma) vibrational fundamental of linear GeC(7) has been identified at 2063.6 cm(-1), and an absorption at 1928.3 cm(-1) has been assigned to the nu(4)(sigma) fundamental of linear GeC(9). FTIR measurements of the isotopic shifts for the assignments are in good agreement with the DFT predictions.     

High resolution spectroscopy of the nu(3) band of DCOOD

The rotation-vibration spectrum of DCOOD has been recorded in the carbonyl stretch (nu(3)) region. Using a standard S-reduced Watson Hamiltonian in the I(r) representation, 225 lines could be fitted to a vibrational-rotational band. A full set of molecular constants was obtained. The nu(3) band is found to be strongly perturbed in the K(a): 1<--1 and K(a): 2<--2 subband. The perturbation is attributed to a Fermi resonance with the 2nu(8) overtone band and Coriolis coupling to a combination band (nu(4)+nu(7)). The band center is determined to be 1725.1218(1) cm(-1) which is more than 10 cm(-1) shifted compared to previous studies.     

Raman spectra of carotenoids in natural products

Resonance Raman spectra of naturally occurring carotenoids have been obtained from nautilus, periwinkle (Littorina littorea) and clam shells under 514.5 nm excitation and these spectra are compared with the resonance Raman spectra obtained in situ from tomatoes, carrots, red peppers and saffron. The tomatoes, carrots and red peppers gave rise to resonance Raman spectra exhibiting a nu1 band at ca. 1520 cm(-1), in keeping with its assignment to carotenoids with ca. nine conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds in their main chains, whereas the resonance Raman spectrum of saffron showed a nu1 band at 1537 cm(-1) which can be assigned to crocetin, having seven conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds. A correlation between nu1 wavenumber location and effective conjugated chain length has been used to interpret the data obtained from the shells, and the wavenumber position (1522 cm(-1)) of the nu1 band of the carotenoid in the orange clam shell suggests that it contains nine conjugated double bonds in the main chain. However, the black periwinkle and nautilus shells exhibit nu1 bands at 1504 and 1496 cm(-1), respectively. On the basis of the correlation between nu1 wavenumber location and effective conjugated chain length, this indicates that they contain carotenoids with longer conjugated chains, the former having ca. 11 double bonds and the latter ca. 13 or even more. Raman spectra of the nautilus, periwinkle and clam shells also exhibited a strong band at 1085 cm(-1) and a doublet with components at 701 and 705 cm(-1), which can be assigned to biogenic calcium carbonate in the aragonite crystallographic form.