Bond connectivity measured via relaxation-assisted two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy

Abstract

The relaxation-assisted two-dimensional infrared (RA 2DIR) method is a novel technique for probing structures of molecules, which relies on vibrational energy transport in molecules. In this article we demonstrate the ability of RA 2DIR to detect the bond connectivity patterns in molecules using two parameters, a characteristic intermode energy transport time (arrival time) and a cross-peak amplification coefficient. A correlation of the arrival time with the distance between the modes is demonstrated. An 18-fold amplification of the cross-peak amplitude for the modes separated by approximately 11 A is shown using RA 2DIR; larger cross-peak amplifications are expected for the modes separated by larger distances. The RA 2DIR method enhances the applicability of 2DIR spectroscopy by making practical the long-range measurements using a variety of structural reporters, including weak IR modes. The data presented demonstrate the analytical power of RA 2DIR which permits the speedy structural assessments of the bond connectivity patterns.