Chirped-pulse Fourier Transform Microwave Spectroscopy Research Articles

Electron-withdrawing effects on the molecular structure of 2- and 3-nitrobenzonitrile revealed by broadband rotational spectroscopy and their comparison with 4-nitrobenzonitrile.

The rotational spectra of 2- and 3-nitrobenzonitrile were recorded via chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy in the frequency range of 2-8 GHz. These molecules each display large dipole moments, making them viable candidates for deceleration and trapping experiments with AC-electric fields. For both molecules, the main isotopologues and all isotopologues of the respective 13C-, 15N-, 18O-monosubstituted species in their natural abundance were assigned. These assignments allowed for the structural determination of 2- and 3-nitrobenzonitrile via Kraitchman's equations as well as a mass-dependent least-squares fitting approach. The experimentally determined structural parameters are then compared to those obtained from quantum-chemical calculations for these two molecules and 4-nitrobenzonitrile. Structural changes caused by steric interaction and competition for the electron density of the phenyl ring highlight how these strong electron-withdrawing substituents affect one another according to their respective positions on the phenyl ring.

Molecular geometries and other properties of H2O⋯AgI and H3N⋯AgI as characterised by rotational spectroscopy and ab initio calculations.

The rotational spectra of H3N⋯AgI and H2O⋯AgI have been recorded between 6.5 and 18.5 GHz by chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy. The complexes were generated through laser vaporisation of a solid target of silver or silver iodide in the presence of an argon gas pulse containing a low concentration of the Lewis base. The gaseous sample subsequently undergoes supersonic expansion which results in cooling of rotational and vibrational motions such that weakly bound complexes can form within the expanding gas jet. Spectroscopic parameters have been determined for eight isotopologues of H3N⋯AgI and six isotopologues of H2O⋯AgI. Rotational constants, B0; centrifugal distortion constants, DJ, DJK or ΔJ, ΔJK; and the nuclear quadrupole coupling constants, χaa(I) and χbb(I) - χcc(I) are reported. H3N⋯AgI is shown to adopt a geometry that has C3v symmetry. The geometry of H2O⋯AgI is Cs at equilibrium but with a low barrier to inversion such that the vibrational wavefunction for the v = 0 state has C2v symmetry. Trends in the nuclear quadrupole coupling constant of the iodine nucleus, χaa(I), of L⋯AgI complexes are examined, where L is varied across the series (L = Ar, H3N, H2O, H2S, H3P, or CO). The results of experiments are reported alongside those of ab initio calculations at the CCSD(T)(F12*)/AVXZ level (X = T, Q).

Halogen bonding properties of 4-iodopyrazole and 4-bromopyrazole explored by rotational spectroscopy and ab initio calculations.

The combination of halogen- and hydrogen-bonding capabilities possessed by 4-bromopyrazole and 4-iodopyrazole has led to them being described as "magic bullets" for biochemical structure determination. Laser vaporisation was used to introduce each of these 4-halopyrazoles into an argon gas sample undergoing supersonic expansion prior to the recording of the rotational spectra of these molecules by chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. Data were obtained for four isotopologues of 4-bromopyrazole and two isotopologues of 4-iodopyrazole. Isotopic substitutions were achieved at the hydrogens attached to the pyrrolic nitrogen atoms of both 4-halopyrazoles and at the bromine atom of 4-bromopyrazole. The experimentally determined nuclear quadrupole coupling constants, χaa(X) and χbb(X)-χcc(X), of the halogen atoms (where X is the halogen atom) of each molecule are compared with the results of the ab initio calculations and those for a range of other halogen-containing molecules. It is concluded that each of 4-bromopyrazole and 4-iodopyrazole will form halogen bonds that are broadly comparable in strength to those formed by CH3X and CF3X.

Structural determination and population transfer of 4-nitroanisole by broadband microwave spectroscopy and tailored microwave pulses.

The rotational spectrum of 4-nitroanisole was recorded via chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy in the frequency range of 2-8 GHz. The spectra of the parent molecule and all of its 13C-, 15N-, and 18O-monosubstituted species in their natural abundance were assigned, and the molecular structure was determined using Kraitchman's equations as well as a least-square fitting approach. 4-nitroanisole has a large dipole moment of 6.15 D along the inertial a-axis and a smaller dipole moment of 0.78 D along the b-axis. The large dipole moment component makes this molecule a potential candidate for deceleration experiments using static electric fields or electromagnetic radiation. Using tailored microwave pulses, we investigate the possibility of transferring population between the rotational states of 4-nitroanisole. Such a technique could be applied to selectively increase the population for specific rotational states of interest, which are then accessible for further, more advanced experiments, such as deceleration.

Identification of two conformationally trapped n-propanol-water dimers in a supersonic expansion

Two conformers of the n-propanol-water dimer have been observed in a supersonic expansion using chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave (CPFTMW) spectroscopy. Structural assignments reveal the n-propanol sub-unit is conformationally trapped, with its methyl group in both Gauche and Trans orientations. Despite different carbon backbone conformations, both dimers display the same water-donor/alcohol-acceptor hydrogen bonding motif. This work builds upon other reported alcohol-water dimers and upon previous work detailing the trapping of small molecules into multiple structural minima in rare gas supersonic expansions.

Geometries of H2S⋯MI (M = Cu, Ag, Au) complexes studied by rotational spectroscopy: The effect of the metal atom.

Complexes formed between H2S and each of CuI, AgI, and AuI have been isolated and structurally characterised in the gas phase. The H2S⋯MI complexes (where M is the metal atom) are generated through laser vaporisation of a metal rod in the presence of a low concentration of H2S and CF3I in a buffer gas of argon undergoing supersonic expansion. The microwave spectra of six isotopologues of each of H2S⋯CuI, H2S⋯AgI and three isotopologues of H2S⋯AuI have been measured by chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. The spectra are interpreted to determine geometries for the complexes and to establish the values of structural parameters. The complexes have Cs symmetry at equilibrium and have a pyramidal configuration about the sulfur atom. The local C2 axis of the hydrogen sulfide molecule intersects the linear axis defined by the three heavy atoms at an angle, ϕ = 75.00(47)° for M = Cu, ϕ = 78.43(76)° for M = Ag, and ϕ = 71.587(13)° for M = Au. The trend in the molecular geometries is consistent with significant relativistic effects in the gold-containing complex. The force constant describing the interaction between the H2S and MI sub-units is determined from the measured centrifugal distortion constant, ΔJ, of each complex. Nuclear quadrupole coupling constants, χaa(M) and χaa(I) (where M denotes the metal atom), are determined for H2S⋯CuI and H2S⋯AuI for the first time.

Microwave spectrum, structure and dipole moment of 3-fluorophenylacetylene (3FPA)

The 6–18 GHz rotational spectrum of 3-fluorophenylacetylene (3FPA) was measured by chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave (CP-FTMW) spectroscopy. Rotational constants and quartic centrifugal distortion constants based on a Watson-A reduction were determined with 89 transitions; A = 3383.73821 (33) MHz, B = 1180.97617 (16) MHz, C = 875.26172 (12) MHz, ΔJ = 0.0382 (13) kHz, ΔK = 1.316 (21) kHz, δJ = 13.93 (56) Hz, and δK = 180.3 (60) Hz. An additional 12-13 transitions for each of eight 13C isotopic species and Stark effects to determine dipole moment components were observed by Balle-Flygare FTMW spectroscopy. Gas phase molecular structures of 3FPA were derived via the least-square fitting (r0) and substitution (rs) methods using the moments of inertia of the isotopic species. The ring geometry is discussed and compared with previous studies of structures of monosubstituted benzene and crystalline solid structures of 3FPA.

Microwave spectral taxonomy: A semi-automated combination of chirped-pulse and cavity Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy.

Because of its structural specificity, rotational spectroscopy has great potential as an analytical tool for characterizing the chemical composition of complex gas mixtures. However, disentangling the individual molecular constituents of a rotational spectrum, especially if many of the lines are entirely new or unknown, remains challenging. In this paper, we describe an empirical approach that combines the complementary strengths of two techniques, broadband chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy and narrowband cavity Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy, to characterize and assign lines. This procedure, called microwave spectral taxonomy, involves acquiring a broadband rotational spectrum of a rich mixture, categorizing individual lines based on their relative intensities under series of assays, and finally, linking rotational transitions of individual chemical compounds within each category using double resonance techniques. The power of this procedure is demonstrated for two test cases: a stable molecule with a rich spectrum, 3,4-difluorobenzaldehyde, and products formed in an electrical discharge through a dilute mixture of C2H2 and CS2, in which spectral taxonomy has enabled the identification of propynethial, HC(S)CCH.

High resolution spectroscopy of six SOCl2 isotopologues from the microwave to the far-infrared.

Despite its potential role as an atmospheric pollutant, thionyl chloride, SOCl2, remains poorly characterized in the gas phase. In this study, the pure rotational and ro-vibrational spectra of six isotopologues of this molecule, all detected in natural abundance, have been extensively studied from the cm-wave band to the far-infrared region by means of three complementary techniques: chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy, sub-millimeter-wave spectroscopy using frequency multiplier chain, and synchrotron-based far-infrared spectroscopy. Owing to the complex line pattern which results from two nuclei with non-zero spins, new, high-level quantum-chemical calculations of the hyperfine structure played a crucial role in the spectroscopic analysis. From the combined experimental and theoretical work, an accurate semi-experimental equilibrium structure (r(e)(SE)) of SOCl2 has been derived. With the present data, spectroscopy-based methods can now be applied with confidence to detect and monitor this species, either by remote sensing or in situ.

Rotational Spectrum and Structure of the 1,1-Difluoroethylene···Carbon Dioxide Complex.

Rotational spectra for five isotopologues of the 1:1 weak complex between 1,1-difluoroethylene (H2C═CF2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) have been measured using 480 MHz bandwidth chirped-pulse and resonant cavity Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy between 5.5 and 18.5 GHz. The observed structure of the complex is planar, with the CO2 aligned roughly parallel to the C═C bond, and experimental structural parameters derived from rotational constants are consistent with the most stable geometry predicted by basis set superposition error and zero point energy corrected ab initio geometry optimizations at the MP2/6-311++G(2d,2p) level. Comparisons with the recently characterized vinyl fluoride···carbon dioxide complex reveal slightly longer intermolecular distances in the present complex, but very similar binding energies.

Effect of aromatic ring fluorination on CHπ interactions: microwave spectrum and structure of the 1,2-difluorobenzeneacetylene dimer.

Rotational spectra for the normal isotopic species and for six additional isotopologues of the 1,2-difluorobenzeneacetylene (C6H4F2HCCH) weakly bound dimer have been assigned in the 6-18 GHz region using chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy. This is the third complex in a series of fluorinated benzeneacetylene dimers. In 1,2-difluorobenzeneHCCH, the Hπ distance (2.725(28) Å) is longer by about 0.23 Å, and the estimated binding energy (EB = 2.3(6) kJ mol(-1)) is weaker by about 1.8 kJ mol(-1), than in the previously studied fluorobenzeneHCCH complex. In addition, in 1,2-difluorobenzeneacetylene, HCCH tips ∼46(3)° away from perpendicular to the aromatic ring, with the H nearest the ring moving away from the fluorine atoms along the C2 axis of the monomer, while in the fluorobenzene and benzene complexes HCCH is perpendicular (benzeneHCCH) or nearly perpendicular (fluorobenzeneHCCH, ∼7° tilt) to the ring plane. Results from ab initio and DFT calculations will be compared to an experimental structure determined from rotational constants for the DCCD and five unique (13)C substituted isotopologues.

Alkynes as CH/π Acceptors: Microwave Spectra and Structures of the CH2F2···Propyne and CH2ClF···Propyne Dimers.

Rotational spectra of weakly bound complexes of chlorofluoromethane (CH2ClF) and difluoromethane (CH2F2) with propyne (HCCCH3) have been measured using chirped-pulse and resonant-cavity Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy, adding to a relatively small body of high resolution spectroscopic data on propyne complexes. Both dimers contain CH/π contacts, as well as secondary contacts between one or both halogen atoms and the methyl group of propyne. A detailed structural determination for CH2F2···propyne has been made by study of the normal, one deuterated and four (13)C substituted isotopologues, with the second lowest energy configuration predicted from ab initio calculations agreeing well with the observed structure. Experimental rotational constants for the most abundant isotopologue of CH2F2···propyne are A00 = 5815.5858(15) MHz, B00 = 1341.1191(5) MHz, C00 = 1099.2040(4) MHz (uncorrected for internal rotation effects), and the dipole moment components, determined by Stark effect measurements, are μa = 1.568(2) D, μb = 0.587(2) D, and μtot = 1.674(3) D. For CH2ClF···propyne, only (35)Cl and (37)Cl isotopologues have been assigned, providing rotational constants and chlorine atom coordinates consistent with the lowest energy structure from a series of ab initio predictions. Rotational constants for the (35)Cl isotopologue are A = 3423.639(7) MHz, B = 1253.7562(20) MHz, and C = 1200.4828(15) MHz and the diagonal and two off diagonal components of the quadrupole coupling tensor have also been determined.

Effect of fluorination on methyl internal rotation barriers: Microwave spectra of cyclopropylfluoromethyl silane (c-C3H5SiHFCH3) and cyclopropyldifluoromethyl silane (c-C3H5SiF2CH3)

Rotational spectra for two conformers of c-C3H5SiHFCH3 (cyclopropylfluoromethyl silane, CFMS) and one conformer of c-C3H5SiF2CH3 (cyclopropyldifluoromethyl silane, CDFMS) have been observed by a combination of chirped-pulse and resonant cavity Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy in the 7.5–16.5GHz range. All rotational transitions were doubled by up to several megahertz into A and E states as a result of methyl group internal rotation, and analysis of measured transitions using a combined axis method yielded internal rotation barriers of ca. 6.0kJmol−1 for the two conformers of CFMS and ca. 5.2kJmol−1 for CDFMS, revealing a systematic decrease in the barrier as fluorine atoms are added to the silicon. Dipole moment information is also available for the CDFMS species.

Hydrogen bonding in the ethanol-water dimer.

We report the first rotational spectrum of the ground state of the isolated ethanol-water dimer using chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy between 8-18 GHz. With the aid of isotopic substitutions, and ab initio calculations, we identify the measured conformer as a water-donor/ethanol-acceptor structure. Ethanol is found to be in the gauche conformation, while the monomer distances and orientations likely reflect a cooperation between the strong (O-HO) and weak (C-HO) hydrogen bonds that stabilizes the measured conformer. No other conformers were assigned in an argon expansion, confirming that this is the ground-state structure. This result is consistent with previous vibrationally-resolved Raman and infrared work, but sheds additional light on the structure, due to the specificity of rotational spectroscopy.

A chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave/pulsed uniform flow spectrometer. II. Performance and applications for reaction dynamics.

This second paper in a series of two reports on the performance of a new instrument for studying chemical reaction dynamics and kinetics at low temperatures. Our approach employs chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave (CP-FTMW) spectroscopy to probe photolysis and bimolecular reaction products that are thermalized in pulsed uniform flows. Here we detail the development and testing of a new K(a)-band CP-FTMW spectrometer in combination with the pulsed flow system described in Paper I [J. M. Oldham, C. Abeysekera, B. Joalland, L. N. Zack, K. Prozument, I. R. Sims, G. B. Park, R. W. Field, and A. G. Suits, J. Chem. Phys. 141, 154202 (2014)]. This combination delivers broadband spectra with MHz resolution and allows monitoring, on the μs timescale, of the appearance of transient reaction products. Two benchmark reactive systems are used to illustrate and characterize the performance of this new apparatus: the photodissociation of SO2 at 193 nm, for which the vibrational populations of the SO product are monitored, and the reaction between CN and C2H2, for which the HCCCN product is detected in its vibrational ground state. The results show that the combination of these two well-matched techniques, which we refer to as chirped-pulse in uniform flow, also provides insight into the vibrational and rotational relaxation kinetics of the nascent reaction products. Future directions are discussed, with an emphasis on exploring the low temperature chemistry of complex polyatomic systems.

Characterization of two isomers of the vinyl fluoride···carbon dioxide dimer by rotational spectroscopy.

Rotational spectra of two different structural forms of the 1:1 weak complex between vinyl fluoride (C2H3F) and carbon dioxide were measured using 480 MHz bandwidth chirped-pulse and resonant cavity Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy in the 5-17 GHz region. Both structures have the CO2 molecule situated in the plane of the vinyl fluoride, such that the CO2 is interacting either with a CHF side or with a HC═CF edge of the vinyl fluoride subunit. Both observed structures are close to those predicted by ab initio geometry optimizations (corrected for basis set superposition error) at the MP2/6-311++G(2d,2p) level. Dipole moment measurements and structural fits, including determinations of principal axis coordinates for all three carbon atoms, confirm the geometries of the assigned species.

Chirped-Pulse Fourier Transform Microwave Spectroscopy Coupled with a Flash Pyrolysis Microreactor: Structural Determination of the Reactive Intermediate Cyclopentadienone.

Chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy (CP-FTMW) is combined with a flash pyrolysis (hyperthermal) microreactor as a novel method to investigate the molecular structure of cyclopentadienone (C5H4═O), a key reactive intermediate in biomass decomposition and aromatic oxidation. Samples of C5H4═O were generated cleanly from the pyrolysis of o-phenylene sulfite and cooled in a supersonic expansion. The (13)C isotopic species were observed in natural abundance in both C5H4═O and in C5D4═O samples, allowing precise measurement of the heavy atom positions in C5H4═O. The eight isotopomers include: C5H4═O, C5D4═O, and the singly (13)C isotopomers with (13)C substitution at the C1, C2, and C3 positions. Microwave spectra were interpreted by CCSD(T) ab initio electronic structure calculations and an re molecular structure for C5H4═O was found. Comparisons of the structure of this "anti-aromatic" molecule are made with those of comparable organic molecules, and it is concluded that the disfavoring of the "anti-aromatic" zwitterionic resonance structure is consistent with a more pronounced C═C/C-C bond alternation.

Rotational Spectroscopic Studies of C–H···F Interactions in the Vinyl Fluoride···Difluoromethane Complex

Rotational spectra of the normal isotopic species and three (13)C isotopologues of the 1:1 complex between vinyl fluoride (CH2 ═ CHF) and difluoromethane (CH2F2) have been measured using 480 MHz bandwidth chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy in the 6.5-20 GHz region. A structure for this dimer has been determined by fitting the moments of inertia of all isotopologues and confirmed by calculation of Kraitchman single isotopic substitution coordinates. The structure is consistent with that determined by ab initio geometry optimization at the MP2/6-311++G(2d,2p) level and has the difluoromethane subunit located on the CHF side of the vinyl fluoride subunit with three C-H · · · F contacts and with the hydrogen atoms of the CH2F2 straddling the vinyl fluoride symmetry plane.

Delicate Balance of Hydrogen Bonding Forces ind-Threoninol

The seven most stable conformers of D-threoninol (2(S)-amino-1,3(S)-butanediol), a template used for the synthesis of artificial nucleic acids, have been identified and characterized from their pure rotational transitions in the gas phase using chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. D-Threoninol is a close analogue of glycerol, differing by substitution of an NH2 group for OH on the C(β) carbon and by the presence of a terminal CH3 group that breaks the symmetry of the carbon framework. Of the seven observed structures, two are H-bonded cycles containing three H-bonds that differ in the direction of the H-bonds in the cycle. The other five are H-bonded chains containing OH···NH···OH H-bonds with different directions along the carbon framework and different dihedral angles along the chain. The two structural types (cycles and chains of H-bonds) are in surprisingly close energetic proximity. Comparison of the rotational constants with the calculated structures at the MP2/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory reveals systematic changes in the H-bond distances that reflect NH2 as a better H-bond acceptor and poorer donor, shrinking the H-bond distances by ∼0.2 Å in the former case and lengthening them by a corresponding amount in the latter. Thus revealed is the subtle effect of asymmetric substitution on the energy landscape of a simple molecule, likely to be important in living systems.

The rotational spectrum of methyl ethyl ketone in its ground vibrational state

The molecule 2-butanone, or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), CH3COCH2CH3, has been studied from 8GHz to 1THz using a combination of chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy and direct absorption millimeter/submillimeter spectroscopy. This molecule is of interest for the field of astrochemistry because it has functional groups in common with several known interstellar molecules, and therefore could serve as a tracer of grain surface formation pathways for complex organics in interstellar clouds. The results of the spectral studies and the analysis of the ground vibrational state of methyl ethyl ketone up to 1 THz are presented here. The challenges of spectral analysis for an organic molecule with spectral complexity arising both from internal rotation and many low-lying vibrational states are discussed. The performances of several standard fitting packages are compared in terms of handling this challenging spectral analysis problem.