Pyrolysis of amines: Infrared spectrum of 1-aminopropene

The infrared absorption spectrum of 1-aminopropene was observed for the first time in the gas phase. This molecule was produced by the thermal decomposition of cyclopropylamine. Two rotational isomers, cis and trans around the C=C double bond, occur. The relative yield of the conformers depends on the experimental conditions. The main conformer could not be identified experimentally, but an ab initio MO calculation suggests that the trans conformer is a little more stable form than the cis. These empirical assignments of the vibrational modes are supported by the ab initio MO calculation.