A comprehensive study of (CH3)2CHOC(S)SC(O)OCH3 using matrix isolation technique,X‐ray analysis,spectroscopic studies and theoretical calculations

Potassium isopropyl xanthate, (CH₃)₂CHOC(S)SK, reacts with methyl chloroformiate ClC(O)OCH₃ to yield (methoxycarbonyl) (2‐propoxythiocarbonyl) sulfide, (CH₃)₂CHOC(S)SC(O)OCH₃. This novel xanthogen formate was characterized by ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and IR and Raman spectroscopy. The structure of a single crystal of (CH₃)₂CHOC(S)SC(O)OCH₃ was determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis at 173 K. The conformational properties have been studied by liquid IR and Raman spectroscopy, matrix isolation spectroscopy together with photochemical studies and quantum chemical calculations (HF and B3LYP methods with the 6‐31+G* basis set). The analysis of the IR spectrum of liquid (CH₃)₂CHOC(S)SC(O)OCH₃ suggests the presence of two conformers in equilibrium at room temperature. However, in the photochemical matrix study, an equilibrium of three conformers was detected. These forms were further characterized by theoretical calculations. Different photolysis products, such as CH₃OC(O)SCH(CH₃)₂, OCS, CO, CO₂ and CS₂, were identified by matrix spectroscopy. The IR absorptions of CH₃OC(O)SCH(CH₃)₂, for which literature data are scarce, were analysed in the light of the results of appropriate theoretical calculations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.