Rotational isomerism in 1,4-disilabutane

Raman spectra of 1,4-disilabutane (DSB) are recorded in both liquid and solid states. IR spectra in the gas and solid phases are also recorded. Two rotational isomers, trans and gauche, are present in the gas and pure liquid phases. An assignment of the main features of the IR and Raman spectra is made, with the aid of normal coordinate calculations for the two isomers. The temperature dependence of the Raman spectrum of DSB is studied in the range 77–300 K. The enthalpy difference between the two isomers is 5.01 ± 0.31 kJ mol^?1. This value is expected to be higher for gaseous DSB.