Analysis of torsional vibrations of an ethane molecule

Based on the solution for the Mathieu equation, we obtained wave functions for the internal rotation of an ethane molecule that satisfy the symmetry properties of the group G₃₆. We calculated the frequency of the principal torsional transition (273 cm⁻¹). The types of symmetry of the energy levels and transition probabilities in IR and Raman spectra are determined. We note drawbacks of divisible permutable-inverse nuclear groups and the groups of molecular symmetry associated with their construction, as well as difficulties that appear when equivalent rotations are used. The possibility of avoiding the application of an extended group is indicated. Belarusian State University, 4, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220050, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 1, pp. 26–31, January–February, 1997.