Vibrational spectra and molecular conformations of unbranched dialkyl selenides

The IR and Raman spectra of six unbranched dialkyl selenides, namely ethylmethyl selenide, methylpropyl selenide, butylmethyl selenide, diethyl selenide, ethylpropyl selenide and dipropyl selenide, have been systematically investigated. The spectra are analysed on the basis of the spectral examination and the normal coordinate treatment. The CH₂-Se stretching wavenumbers of the dialkyl selenides correlate well with the conformation about the CSe-C-C bond axes. The molecular conformation in the solid and liquid states is studied by utilizing this correlation in conjunction with the wave-numbers of the CH₂ rocking and skeletal deformation vibrations. The conformational stability in the liquid state is also examined and the enthalpy difference between the trans and gauche forms of ethylmethyl selenide is obtained as 0.22 ± 0.05 kcal mol^?1, the gauche form being more stable. The conformational stability of dialkyl ethers, sulphides and selenides are comparatively discussed.