Microwave, Raman and infrared spectra, r0 structural parameters, conformational stability, and ab initio calculations of cyclobutylisocyanate

The microwave spectrum of cyclobutylisocyanate, c-C₄H₇NCO, has been investigated from 21,000 to 11,000 MHz and 11 transitions for the more stable equatorial-trans conformer were assigned. The rotational constants of the ground vibrational state have been determined and the molecule has been shown to be a near symmetric prolate rotor (К = ?0.99). The B and C rotational constants have been confidently determined to be B = 1508.68(3) and C = 1476.55(2) MHz, respectively, whereas the value for the A rotational constant of 6,891(302) MHz had a large uncertainty. Variable temperature (?100 to ?55 °C) studies of the infrared spectra (3,500–400 cm^?1) of cyclobutylisocyanate dissolved in liquid xenon as well as the infrared spectra of the gas and solid have been recorded. In addition, the Raman spectra (3,600–100 cm^?1) of the liquid have been investigated. These spectral data indicated the present of three conformers in the fluid states which are the equatorial-trans, equatorial-gauche, and axial-trans forms. The second part of the conformational name refers to the relative position of the NCO moiety relative to the alpha hydrogen. By utilizing four conformer pairs, an enthalpy difference of 131 ± 13 cm^?1 (1.57 ± 0.16 kJ/mol) was obtained with the equatorial-trans conformer the more stable form, which is in good agreement with the ab initio predicted value of 137 ± 36 cm^?1 (1.64 ± 0.43 kJ/mol). To aid in the vibrational assignment, ab initio and DFT calculations have been carried out by using a variety of basis sets up to 6-311G(3df,3pd).