Infrared Spectrum of Nitrobenzene Anion in Solid Argon

Abstract

The infrared spectrum of the nitrobenzene anion isolated in solid argon is presented. The nitrobenzene anion was prepared by co-deposition of a nitrobenzene/Ar mixture with high-frequency discharged argon at 4 K. Photosensitive absorptions are assigned to different vibrational modes of the nitrobenzene anion on the basis of isotopic substitutions ((15)N and deuterium), as well as theoretical calculations. The anion loses one electron to give the neutral nitrobenzene upon visible light (500 < lambda < 600 nm) irradiation. Theoretical calculations predicated that the anion has a planar C(2v) symmetry with a shorter C-N bond and longer N-O bonds relative to those of neutral nitrobenzene.