Electron affinities of double bond π* orbitals determined by means of electron transmission spectroscopy

The electron transmission spectra of small molecules containing C=C, C=N, C=O, C=S and N=N double bonds are reported. The electron affinities of these functional groups, associated with electron capture into their empty π^* orbitals, are discussed in terms of heteroatom electronegativities, geometrical variations and localization properties of the π^* orbitals. The largest electron acceptor properties were observed in the thioketone derivative, which generates a stable π anion state. The ionization energy values relating to the heteroatom lone pair and the filled π orbitals are also reported.