Infra-red cryogenic studies. Part 10.—Conformational isomerism of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-ol

Abstract

Infra-red spectra are reported of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-ol (HFP) and its deuterated derivatives in argon, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide matrices at 20 K. Two main conformers (C_s and C_l) are observed in nitrogen and carbon monoxide matrices, as in the vapour phase and carbon tetrachloride solution at room temperature, but only the C_s conformer is found in an argon matrix. The fine structure of the OH stretching absorption of the C_s conformer in matrices displays irreversible changes on temperature cycling, suggesting that there are two species with closely similar structures. A vibrational assignment is presented for each of the conformers.