Matrix and gas infrared spectra of nitroethane isotopic species

IR and FIR gas phase and Ar matrix isolation spectra of the isotopic species of nitroethane, CH₃CH₂NO₂, CH₃CD₂NO₂ and CD₃CD₂NO₂ are reported. An assignment will be proposed, based mainly on matrix spectra and normal coordinate analysis. An approximate 25 parameter valence force field is given. The analysis of the gas phase spectra is complicated by the fact that only very few band contours comparable to quasirigid model envelopes occur. The phenomenon and unusual band widths and splittings in the matrix spectra are related to the nearly free internal rotation of the nitro group. The Q branch sequence associated with the methyl torsion shows a remarkable splitting into doublets probably also related to the NO₂ rotation. A value of 1080 ± 20 cm^?1 for the methyl torsional barrier is derived.