Infrared spectra of benzene ices: Reexamination and comparison of two recent papers and the literature

Abstract

Infrared spectroscopic results on benzene (C6H6) ices from two recent papers, one published here, are compared to each other and to literature results from 60 years ago. Qualitative and quantitative differences are described, partly in terms of spectral resolution, and errors in one paper are identified that, once corrected, could bring the two recent publications into agreement with each other. A solution is provided for an unexplained disagreement with the literature noted by the authors of one paper. It is concluded that the only accurate, extensive set of IR absorption coefficients, band strengths, and optical constants now available for amorphous and crystalline benzene are those recently published here by the author and a colleague. Suggestions are made for future work to change this situation.