Infrared and Raman matrix isolation studies of methylamine

Infrared (4000-50 cm^?1) and Raman spectra are reported of methylamine, methylamine-d₁ and methylamine-d₂ trapped in argon and nitrogen matrices at 4–20 K. An anomalous intensity variation was found for the NH₂ wagging mode of methylamine isolated in nitrogen matrices, while in argon matrices the NH₂ wagging absorption exhibited a complex structure due to matrix site effects. A normal coordinate analysis was carried out using a new assignment of the NHD twisting frequency. Barriers to internal rotation in argon and nitrogen matrices, calculated from the observed torsional frequencies, are compared with the gas phase value.