Infrared spectroscopic study of intermolecular effects on the conformational isomerism of monomer and dimer perfluoro-t-butyl alcohol in mixed matrices

Abstract

Two conformers of monomer perfluoro-t-butyl alcohol (PFTB) are stabilized by specific molecular interactions in the non-equilibrium state of low-temperature mixed matrices. While their hydroxyl stretching frequencies are very close to those in the gaseous state and in an argon matrix, the surrounding nitrogen or fluorinated and chlorinated molecules induce a splitting into two components whose relative intensities depend on the nature and concentration of the dopant. The step by step solvation of the alcohol, leading to the more stable conformer, is followed. Two conformations of the PFTB dimer are also observed in an argon matrix, their concentration being related to temperature and infrared irradiation effects.