Conformational studies of n-propylamine by combined ab initio MO calculations and Raman spectroscopy

The results of ab initio SCF-MO calculations performed with a 3-21G(N*) basis set, for fully optimized geometries of five conformations of n-propylamine, are presented. The calculated relative order of total energies for these conformers is TT≈GG′>TG>GT>GG. At 300 K, the Boltzmann distribution of populations is 18, 37, 20, 19 and 7%, respectively.Raman spectra of n-propylamine and n-propylamine-N-d₂ in the liquid phase exhibit a number of bands whose temperature-dependent intensities clearly suggest the occurrence of different conformers in simultaneous equilibria. Deuteration of the amine group originates pairs of Raman bands at 428 and 440 cm⁻¹ and at 863 and 885 cm⁻¹. The bands at 428 and 885 cm⁻¹ are favoured by reduction of temperature. Normal coordinate calculations permit the assignment of the Raman and i.r. spectra in good agreement with experimental evidence. Among the five possible conformers of n-propylamine, it is possible to detect the presence of at least three conformations in the liquid phase, corresponding to the skeletal trans (TT and GT) and at least one of the skeletal gauche (TG, GG or GG′) forms. In the solid phase, only the bands ascribed to the TT form were observed.The ab initio results for the isolated molecule show that the all-trans conformation, TT, and the conformation GG′ have the smallest energies. On the other hand, the vibrational results for the liquid and solid phases indicate that the all-trans conformation, TT, is the more populated form. In addition, this conformer presents the highest calculated dipole moment, in good agreement with the liquid phase Raman spectroscopic results which point out that this conformation is favoured by polar solvents. Intermolecular interactions operating in the liquid n-propylamine, possibly of the hydrogen bonding type, are responsible for altering the relative order of conformational stability as predicted by the ab initio SCF-MO results for the isolated molecule.     

The conformations of allylic alcohols in solution from FT-i.r. OH stretching vibration measurements

The distribution of conformations of allylic alcohols in CCl₄ differs from that in the vapour phase and from ab initio calculations. FT-i.r. measurements of the OH stretching vibrations show two peak maxima which can be resolved by band splitting techniques. The predominant conformations of allylic alcohols are intramolecularly hydrogen bonded, with a conformation gauche (G or G′) with respect to rotation about the CO bond and eclipsed (E or E′) with respect to rotation about the CC bond. In contrast with vapour phase data and ab initio calculations, no other hydrogen bonded conformations have been identified.For primary alcohols, the shoulder to the higher wavenumber side can be unequivocally assigned to conformations in which the OH is free, with a trans (T) conformation with respect to rotation about the CO bond.The secondary allylic alcohols exhibit no bands that can be attributed to free OH conformations except in the case of severe steric interaction in the eclipsed (E) conformation.In accordance with our previous work on solvent interactions with the OH group, the contrast with the vapour state assignments are interpreted in terms of an interaction of the solvent with the OH proton which destabilizes the hydrogen bond.     

The study of Turnip Mosaic virus coat protein by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Using Turnip Mosaic virus (TuMV) coat protein as material, the secondary structure has been studied by both normal Raman spectroscopy (NRS) and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The NRS of TuMV coat protein under certain conditions showed the α-helix, β-sheet and random coil structure. The CSSC comformations are trans—gauche—gauche and gauche—gauche—gauche. The SERS spectrum of TuMV coat protein under certain conditions reveals the α-helix structure. By studying SERS at different adsorbing times, we have observed the amide III vibration of α-helix, β-sheet and random coil structure. The CSSC conformations drawn from the SERS spectra are trans—gauche—gauche and trans—gauche—trans. Besides the amide I, amide III and CSSC bands, the CαCN band, aromatic amino acid bands and some other bands can also be seen in the SERS spectra.     

Acetic acid monomer: Ab initio study,barrier to proton tunnelling,and infrared assignment

The barrier to tunnelling of the carboxyl proton in monomeric acetic acid is found to be 96.7 kcal/mole in an ab initio study, which is not compatible with an earlier interpretation of the strong observed in the infrared matrix spectra of monomeric acetic acid and deuterated species. A new explanation is suggested for the anharmonic effects, and a vibrational assignment, supported by normal coordinate calculations is proposed.The ab initio SCF calculations were carried out with two different Gaussian basis sets for comparison. The values obtained for the methyl torsional barrier, for the energy difference between the trans OCOH and the more stable cis OCOH conformtion, and for the OH-torsional force constant (0.15 and 0.19 mdyn/Å) are in good agreement with earlier results and/or with experimental data. The main anharmonicities observed in the spectra are apparently due to Fermi resonance involving CO stretching and COH bending fundamentals and combination tones of skeletal breathing and bending motions.     

Raman spectra,conformational stability,structural parameters,vibrational assignment,and ab initio calculations for epifluorohydrin

The Raman spectra (3200–100 cm⁻¹) of epifluorohydrin, OCH₂CH(CH₂F), in variable solvents, as well as that of the gas have been recorded and several of the bands due to the two less stable conformers have been identified. The variable solvent studies were inconclusive on the relative conformer stabilities. The conformational energy differences and optimized geometries for all three conformers have been obtained from ab initio calculations with the 3–21G, 4–31G and 6–31G* basis sets. A normal coordinate analysis has also been performed for each conformer with a force field determined from the 3–21G basis set. Assignment of the vibrational fundamentals observed in the Raman spectra of the fluid phases is proposed based on the normal coordinate calculations. In the liquid phase, one of the conformers with a large dipole moment predominates and it appears to be the gauche-I form which is the only one found in the solid. Utilizing the three rotational constants previously reported for each conformer, along with restricted relative distances for several of the structural parameters among the conformers from ab initio calculations, r₀ structural parameters for the heavy atoms have been determined.     

Conformational analysis—CXVII : Methyl ethyl disulfide. Molecular mechanics and molecular orbital calculations

The conformation of methyl ethyl disulfide was investigated by molecular mechanics calculations using a recently developed force field for sulfur-containing alkanes. The results indicate that in the gas phase the molecule exists predominantly in two conformations, both with the CSSC dihedral angle gauche (84°), and the SSCC dihedral angle either gauche (72°) or trans (179°), and the methyl protons staggered. Ab initio molecular orbital calculations using an STO-3G basis set were employed to corroborate that these two conformations are of roughly equal stability, and that the next most stable conformation (by 0.6 kcal/mole) has the SSCC dihedral angle gauche (295°) with the terminal methyls proximal. In contrast to earlier CNDO/2 (spd) predictions, the SSCC cis conformer is the least stable, and no sizable attractive S?HC nonbonded interactions are discerned. Reasons for this are traced to a failure of the CNDO/2 method, which is especially serious when d orbitals are included in the basis set (spd) and the rigid rotor approximation is used. The present results are found to be consistent with recent electron diffraction, IR, Raman spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction data. The conformation of diethyl disulfide was also investigated by molecular mechanics calculations, and again gauche and trans SSCC arrangements are predicted to be preferred.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ab initio</Emphasis> investigation of aniline and <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-propylamine associates with dimethylsulfoxide,isobutyronitrile, and N-methylpiperidone

The structure of the dimer associates of aniline and n-propylamine with dimethylsulfoxide, isobutyronitrile, and N-methylpiperidone was investigated by ab initio calculations. Stable configurations of the complexes and their structural and energy characteristics have been determined. The effects of the nature of the solvent and the structure of the associate on the properties of the NH₂ group are examined.     

Matrix isolation infrared and ab initio studies on conformers of 3-fluoropropene

The infrared spectra of the cis and gauche conformers of 3-fluoropropene, CH₂CHCH₂F, were studied in Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe matrices. An infrared-induced cis to gauche rotamerization was found in Ar, Kr and Xe matrices. A thermal interconversion process was also found. Its direction was dependent upon the host, being the same as that of the IR process in Kr but reverse in Ar and Xe. In Ar and Xe matrices considerable site-splitting occurs in the IR spectra and a detailed analysis of the processes in different sites is given. An energy difference of 2.5±0.3 kJ mol⁻¹ between the cis and gauche species was obtained on assuming that the gas phase equilibrium between the conformers is trapped upon deposition. A slow dark process from cis to gauche conformer was observed in Kr matrices at temperatures above 15 K, possibly due to tunnelling. Ab initio calculations were carried out on 3-fluoropropene. The torsional potential energy curve and spectra of the conformers were calculated at the MP2(full)16-31G** level and were compared with the experimental results.     

Valence state of a heteroatom and the conjugation problem

Calculations of the electronic structure and geometry ofs-cis-, s-trans- andgauche-conformers of AllPH₄ (1) molecule (All = CH₂CHCH₂) were carried out by the quantum chemicalab initio SCF MO LCAO method with the 3-21G basis. The results obtained were compared to those found earlier for AllPH₂ (2) and AllPF₄ (3). The increase in stability of tilegauche-conformer relative to thetrans-conformer on going from2 to1 is due to the significant contribution of vacant d-orbitals of the P atom in the LUMO, to the increase in interactions of frontier MOs through space, and (to a lesser degree) through bond interaction with the CH₂ bridging group, as well as to transfer of electron density from an allyl fragment. The conjugation in allylphosphines is determined by localization of the HOMO, which correlates with the lone electron pair of the P atom in2 and with σ-MO in1; it should be enhanced in allylphosphines containing the axial P-C bond.     

Ab initio studies of structural features not easily amenable to experiment: Part 20. Structural aspects of ethyl groups

The molecular structures of a number of stable conformations of ethanol, ethylamine, methylethyl ether, methylethylamine and of the ethyl anion have been determined by ab initio geometry optimizations using Pulay's Force method on the 4–21G level. The calculated geometries characterize the extent to which structural groups in a molecule are sensitive to asymmetries in their environment. Characteristic structural trends are consistently found for the CH bond distances and CCH angles in the C₂H₅ groups of trans-ethanol, trans-methylethyl ether and in the ethyl anion. They differ from those previously found for C₂H₅ groups in hydrocarbons. There is qualitative disagreement between the trends calculated for CH bond distances in trans-ethanol and trans-methylethyl ether and those found in the microwave substitution structures of these compounds. Since the substitution parameters are unresolved because of relatively large experimental or model uncertainties, it is presently impossible to decide whether this discrepancy is the result of computational or experimental deficiency. The methyl groups in methylethyl ether and methylethylamine exhibit the characteristic structural distortions which are usually found for CH₃ groups adjacent to electron lone pairs. The CC bond distances in C₂H₅ in the systems studied here are sensitive to the conformational arrangement of ethyl relative to the rest of a system in a way which can be rationalized by orbital interactions involving antibonding orbitals on sp³-hybridized carbon atoms. The calculated conformational stabilities agree qualitatively with experimental trends, except in the case of ethanol where the trans — gauche energy difference is small (about 0.1 kcal mol^?1) and within the uncertainties of the calculations. Our conformational energies for CH₃CH₂NH₂ are in disagreement with a previous ab initio investigation based on a comparison of unoptimized standard geometries. In general, the agreement between calculated structural parameters and corresponding reliable experimental values is very good in all comparable cases.     

Far infrared spectrum and conformational potential function of n-butane

The far i.r. spectrum of gaseous n-butane obtained at 0.06 cm⁻¹ resolution is reported between 80 and 230 cm⁻¹. Several transitions for the asymmetric torsion of the trans conformer have been identified. Utilizing these data along with the previously reported asymmetric torsional transitions of the gauche conformer from Raman spectroscopic data, the potential function for the conformational change has been obtained. The determined potential parameters were found to be: V₁ = 181, V₂ = 148, V₃ = 1154 and V₆ = −33 cm⁻¹. The s-trans to gauche, gauche to gauche, and gauche to s-trans barriers in cm⁻¹ were found to be: 1315 (3.76 kcal/mol), 1090 (3.12 kcal/mol) and 1070 (3.06 kcal/mol), respectively. The potential functions obtained from these spectroscopic data are consistent with the trans to gauche energy difference, but not with the high trans/cis potential barrier suggested by recent ab initio calculations.     

Potential functions of internal rotations in n-mononitroalkanes

Internal rotation is studied in n-mononitroalkanes, CH₃(CH₂) _n NO₂, n ?? 7, with the use of the B3LYP/6-311++G(3df, 3pd) and MP2/6-311++G(3df, 3pd) models. Conformations are investigated, and 36 potential functions (V(??)) for all rotations are found. It is shown that as the hydrocarbon chain becomes longer, the potential functions that describe particular molecular fragments change only negligibly beginning from a certain n. Such dependences of V(??) are presented in the form of generalized functions with averaged coefficients (V(??)_av). The V(??)_av values can be recommended for use in simulations. In molecules with n ?? 2, the phenomenon of ??top interactions?? (??movement interactions??) and the gauche effect (the equality between the total energies of gauche ⁺, gauche ^?, and trans-conformers) are observed.     

Conformational studies of α-substituted carbonyl compounds—V. Evidence for hyperconjugative interactions in 2-iodosubstituted carbonyl systems. ω-iodo-p-substituted acetophenones

The infrared carbonyl stretching (ν_CO) frequencies as well as the carbon—iodine (ν_CI) Raman and infrared frequencies for some ω-iodo-p-substituted acetophenones are reported. Although in the title compounds the solvent effect on the carbonyl band does not indicate the existence of cis/gauche rotational isomerism, the comparison between the ν_CO frequencies in the fundamental transition with those in the 1st overtone (in CCl₄) indicates the presence of the cis/gauche rotational isomerism. On going from electron-donating to electron-attracting substituents in the ω-iodo-series, the progressive increase in the gauche carbonyl shifts (Δν_g) together with the progressive decrease in the ν_CI frequencies suggest the increasing contribution of the hyperconjugative interaction between π_CO and σ_CI orbitals. The u.v. spectra of the title compounds display the n → π*_CO band which is bathochromically shifted in relation to the corresponding acetophenones, indicating the π*_CO/σ*_CI hyperconjugative interaction in the excited state. [¹³C] NMR data for the methylene group of the ω-iodoacetophenones in comparison with those of ω-bromoacetophenones [1] as well as with those for the methyl group of the unsubstituted acetophenones corroborates the existence of the π_CO/σ_CI hyperconjugation in the fundamental state of the title compounds.     

Molecular structural of the gauche and trans conformers of ethylamine as studies by gas electron diffraction

The geometrical parameters for the two conformers, gauche (g) and trans (t), of ethylamine have been determined by a joint analysis of the electron diffraction intensity measured in the present study and the rotational constants reported in the literature. The optimized geometries estimated by an SCF MO calculation with a 4-31G(N*) basis set were also used in the analysis to complement the experimental data. The bond lengths (r_g) and the bond angels (r_z) determined are r(CH)_av = 1.107(6) Å r(CN)_t = 1. 470(10)Å, r(CN)_g = 1.475(10) Å r(CC)_t = 1.531(6) Å r (CC)_g = 1.524(6) Å , ∠CCN)_t = 115.0(3)°, and ∠CCCN_g = 109.7(3)°. The uncertainties represent estimated limits of error. The difference between the CCN_g and CCN_g angles predicted by a previous ab initio calculation is confirmed. The enthalpy difference,ΔH(gt), is determined to be 306(200) cal mol⁻¹ using the abundance of the trans conformer, 46(10)%.     

Vibrational analysis of alkyl xanthates

Rotational isomers are indicated in the Raman spectra of sodium ethyl and other xanthates. Vibrational bands useful for characterizing xanthate solids and aqueous solutions are given. Vibrational analyses are reported for sodium ethyl xanthate, trans and gauche forms, and the methyl and isopropyl analogs using a Cartesian coordinate force field derived from ab initio molecular orbital calculations.     

Cyclic polysilanes : VIII. The crystal structure of 1,2,3,4-tetra-tert-butyl-tetramethylcyclotetrasilane

The crystal structure of [Si(CH₃)(t-C₄H₉)]₄ has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystals are tetragonal, P4₂/n; a = b = 13.069(4), c = 7.880(2) Å, Z = 2. The structure was determined using 745 independent data and refined with anisotropic least-squares to a final unweighted R-value of 3.5%. Each tetrameric molecule was found to be arranged about a $\text{4}$ axis, with the independent crystallographic unit comprising one silicon atom, one methyl and one tert-butyl group. The four-membered ring of silicon atoms is nonplanar with an unusually large dihedral angle of 36.8°. The principal mean bond lengths are SiSi 2.377(1), SiC(methyl) 1.893(4), SiC(tert-butyl) 1.918(3) Å, and the SiSiSi bond angle is 86.99°. The SiSi bond length is somewhat longer than in other polysilanes.     

Molecular structure and conformational composition of gaseous 1,1-dichloro-2-bromomethyl-cyclopropane and 1,1-dichloro-2-cyanomethyl-cyclopropane as determined by electron diffraction

The molecular structure of the title compounds have been investigated by gas-phase electron diffraction. Both molecules exist as about equal amounts of the two gauche conformers. There is no evidence for the presence of a syn conformer, but small amounts of this form cannot be excluded. Some of the important distance (r_a) and angle (∠_α) parameters for 1,1-dichloro-2-bromomethyl-cyclopropane are: r(CH) = 1.095(19) Å, r(C₁C₂) = 1.476(11) Å, r(C₂C₃) = 1.517(31) Å, r(CCH₂Br) = 1.543(32) Å, r(CCl) = 1.752(6) Å, r(CBr) = 1.950(13) Å, ∠CCBr = 110.5(1.9)°, ∠ClCCl = 111.9(6)°, ∠CCC = 117.5(1.3)°, σ₁ (CC torsion angle between CBr and the three-membered ring for gauche-1) = 116.2(5.6)°, σ₂ = −132.7(7.6). For 1,1-dichloro-2-cyanomethyl-cyclopropane the parameter values are: r(CH) = 1.101(16) Å, r(C₁C₂) = 1.498(9) Å, r(C₂C₃) = 1.544(21) Å, r(C₂C₄) = 1.497(33) Å, r(CCN) = 1.466(26) Å, r(CN) = 1.165(8) Å, r(CCl) = 1.754(5) Å, ∠CCCN = 113.7(2.0)°, ∠CCC = 122.8(1.6)°, ClCCl = 112.5(4)°, σ₁ = 113(13)°, σ₂ = −124(10)°.     

Matrix-isolation infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopic studies of less stable conformers of 1,3,5-hexatriene

The infrared spectra of the 3-trans and 3-cis isomers of 1,3,5-hexatriene in low-temperature Ar matrices deposited from a high-temperature nozzle or deposited under irradiation of the Hg 253.7 nm light show a number of new bands. Correspondingly, the ultraviolet spectra of the 3-trans isomer observed under similar experimental conditions show a new absorption at 276 nm. Most of these new infrared bands and the new ultraviolet absorption are attributable to less stable isomers which have the planar s-cis conformation [or gauche conformation(s) close to the planar s-cis] about either one or both of the two CC bonds.     

Spectra and Structure of Silicon-Containing Compounds. XXV. Raman and Infrared Spectra,r 0 Structural Parameters,Vibrational Assignment,and Ab Initio Calculations of Ethyl Chlorosilane-Si-d2

The infrared (3200 to 400 cm^–1) spectra of gaseous and solid and Raman (3200 to 20 cm^–1) spectra of liquid and solid ethyl chlorosilane-Si-d₂, CH₃CH₂SiD₂Cl, have been recorded. Both the gauche and trans conformers have been identified in the fluid phases, but only the gauche conformer remains in the solid phase. Variable temperature (–105 to –150°C) studies of the infrared spectra of CH₃CH₂SiH₂Cl dissolved in liquid krypton have been carried out. From these data, the enthalpy difference has been determined to be 78±11 cm^–1 (0.93±0.13 kJ/mol), with the gauche conformer the more stable form. Utilizing the frequencies of the silicon-hydrogen stretches, from the chlorosilane-Si-d isotopomer, Si—H bond distances of 1.481 and 1.480 Å have been obtained for the gauche conformer and 1.481 Å for the trans conformer. Complete vibrational assignments are proposed for both isotopomers which are consistent with the predicted frequencies utilizing the force constants from ab initio MP2/6-31G(d) calculations. Both the infrared intensities and the Raman activities and depolarization values have been obtained from the ab initio calculations. Complete equilibrium geometries have been determined by ab initio calculations employing the 6-31(d), 6-311++G(d,p), and 6-311+G(2d,2p) basis sets with full electron correlation by the Moller–Plesset (MP) perturbation method to second order. Continuing the previously reported rotational constants from five different isotopomers and the ab initio predicted structural parameters, adjusted r ₀ parameters have been calculated, which are compared to the corresponding r _s parameters. The results are discussed and the theoretical values are compared to the experimental values when appropriate.Taken in part from the dissertation of Y. E. Nashed, which will be submitted to the Department of Chemistry in partial fulfillment of the Ph.D. degree