Rotationally resolved electronic spectroscopy of tryptophol in the gas phase

Abstract

High resolution S₁–S₀ fluorescence excitation spectra of tryptophol have been observed in the collision-free environment of a supersonic beam. Each origin band has been assigned to a unique conformer based on its observed rotational constants. Unlike its close relative tryptamine, which exhibits seven distinguishable conformers under similar conditions, tryptophol exhibits only four (GPy-in, GPh-in, and two anti structures). Possible reasons for this difference in behavior are discussed.