Millimeter-wave and high-resolution infrared spectroscopy of the low-lying vibrational states of pyridazine isotopologues.

The gas-phase rotational spectrum from 8 to 750 GHz and the high-resolution infrared (IR) spectrum of pyridazine (o-C4H4N2) have been analyzed for the ground and four lowest-energy vibrationally excited states. A combined global fit of the rotational and IR data has been obtained using a sextic, centrifugally distorted-rotor Hamiltonian with Coriolis coupling between appropriate states. Coriolis coupling has been addressed in the two lowest-energy coupled dyads (ν16, ν13 and ν24, ν9). Utilizing the Coriolis coupling between the vibrational states of each dyad and the analysis of the IR spectrum for ν16 and ν9, we have determined precise band origins for each of these fundamental states: ν16 (B1) = 361.213 292 7 (17) cm-1, ν13 (A2) = 361.284 082 4 (17) cm-1, ν24 (B2) = 618.969 096 (26) cm-1, and ν9 (A1) = 664.723 378 4 (27) cm-1. Notably, the energy separation in the ν16-ν13 Coriolis-coupled dyad is one of the smallest spectroscopically measured energy separations between vibrational states: 2122.222 (72) MHz or 0.070 789 7 (24) cm-1. Despite ν13 being IR inactive and ν24 having an impractically low-intensity IR intensity, the band origins of all four vibrational states were measured, showcasing the power of combining the data provided by millimeter-wave and high-resolution IR spectra. Additionally, the spectra of pyridazine-dx isotopologues generated for a previous semi-experimental equilibrium structure (reSE) determination allowed us to analyze the two lowest-energy vibrational states of pyridazine for all nine pyridazine-dx isotopologues. Coriolis-coupling terms have been measured for analogous vibrational states across seven isotopologues, both enabling their comparison and providing a new benchmark for computational chemistry.

Precise equilibrium structures of 1H- and 2H-1,2,3-triazoles (C2H3N3) by millimeter-wave spectroscopy.

The 1H- and 2H-1,2,3-triazoles are isomeric five-membered ring, aromatic heterocycles that may undergo chemical equilibration by virtue of intramolecular hydrogen migration (tautomerization). Using millimeter-wave spectroscopy in the 130-375 GHz frequency range, we measured the spectroscopic constants for thirteen 1H-1,2,3-triazole and sixteen 2H-1,2,3-triazole isotopologues. Herein, we provide highly accurate and highly precise semi-experimental equilibrium (re SE) structures for the two tautomers based on the spectroscopic constants of each set of isotopologues, together with vibration-rotation interaction and electron-mass distribution corrections calculated using coupled-cluster singles, doubles, and perturbative triples calculations [CCSD(T)/cc-pCVTZ]. The resultant structures are compared with a "best theoretical estimate" (BTE), which has recently been shown to be in exceptional agreement with the semi-experimental equilibrium structures of other aromatic molecules. Bond distances of the 1H tautomer are determined to <0.0008 Å and bond angles to <0.2°. For the 2H tautomer, bond angles are also determined to <0.2°, but bond distances are less precise (2σ ≤ 0.0015). Agreement between BTE and re SE values is discussed.

Molecular structure determination: Equilibrium structure of pyrimidine (m-C4H4N2) from rotational spectroscopy (re SE) and high-level ab initio calculation (re) agree within the uncertainty of experimental measurement.

The pure rotational spectrum of pyrimidine (m-C4H4N2), the meta-substituted dinitrogen analog of benzene, has been studied in the millimeter-wave region from 235 GHz to 360 GHz. The rotational spectrum of the ground vibrational state has been assigned and fit to yield accurate rotational and distortion constants. Over 1700 distinct transitions were identified for the normal isotopologue in its ground vibrational state and least-squares fit to a partial sextic S-reduced Hamiltonian. Transitions for all four singly substituted 13C and 15N isotopologues were observed at natural abundance and were likewise fit. Deuterium-enriched samples of pyrimidine were synthesized, giving access to all eleven possible deuterium-substituted isotopologues, ten of which were previously unreported. Experimental values of rotational constants and computed values of vibration-rotation interaction constants and electron-mass corrections were used to determine semi-experimental equilibrium structures (re SE) of pyrimidine. The re SE structure obtained using coupled-cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)] corrections shows exceptional agreement with the re structure computed at the CCSD(T)/cc-pCV5Z level (≤0.0002 Å in bond distance and ≤0.03° in bond angle). Of the various computational methods examined, CCSD(T)/cc-pCV5Z is the only method for which the computed value of each geometric parameter lies within the statistical experimental uncertainty (2σ) of the corresponding semi-experimental coordinate. The exceptionally high accuracy and precision of the structure determination is a consequence of the large number of isotopologues measured, the precision and extent of the experimental frequency measurements, and the sophisticated theoretical treatment of the effects of vibration-rotation coupling and electron mass. Taken together, these demanding experimental and computational studies establish the capabilities of modern structural analysis for a prototypical monocyclic aromatic compound.

Millimeter-Wave Spectroscopy, X-ray Crystal Structure, and Quantum Chemical Studies of Diketene: Resolving Ambiguities Concerning the Structure of the Ketene Dimer.

The pure rotational spectrum of diketene has been studied in the millimeter-wave region from ∼240 to 360 GHz. For the ground vibrational state and five vibrationally excited satellites (ν24, 2ν24, 3ν24, 4ν24, and ν16), the observed spectrum allowed for the measurement, assignment, and least-squares fitting a total of more than 10 000 distinct rotational transitions. In each case, the transitions were fit to single-state, complete or near-complete sextic centrifugally distorted rotor models to near experimental error limits using Kisiel's ASFIT. Additionally, we obtained less satisfactory least-squares fits to single-state centrifugally distorted rotor models for three additional vibrational states: ν24 + ν16, ν23, and 5ν24. The structure of diketene was optimized at the CCSD(T)/ANO1 level, and the vibration-rotation interaction (αi) values for each normal mode were determined with a CCSD(T)/ANO1 VPT2 anharmonic frequency calculation. These αi values were helpful in identifying the previously unreported ν16 and ν23 fundamental states. We obtained a single-crystal X-ray structure of diketene at -173 °C. The bond distances are increased in precision by more than an order of magnitude compared to those in the 1958 X-ray crystal structure. The improved accuracy of the crystal structure geometry resolves the discrepancy between previous computational and experimental structures. The rotational transition frequencies provided herein should be useful for a millimeter-wave or terahertz search for diketene in the interstellar medium.

Precise equilibrium structure determination of hydrazoic acid (HN3) by millimeter-wave spectroscopy.

The millimeter-wave spectrum of hydrazoic acid (HN3) was analyzed in the frequency region of 235-450 GHz. Transitions from a total of 14 isotopologues were observed and fit using the A-reduced or S-reduced Hamiltonian. Coupled-cluster calculations were performed to obtain a theoretical geometry, as well as rotation-vibration interaction corrections. These calculated vibration-rotation correction terms were applied to the experimental rotational constants to obtain mixed theoretical/experimental equilibrium rotational constants (Ae, Be, and Ce). These equilibrium rotational constants were then used to obtain an equilibrium (Re) structure using a least-squares fitting routine. The Re structural parameters are consistent with a previously published Rs structure, largely falling within the uncertainty limits of that Rs structure. The present Re geometric parameters of HN3 are determined with exceptionally high accuracy, as a consequence of the large number of isotopologues measured experimentally and the sophisticated (coupled-cluster theoretical treatment (CCSD(T))/ANO2) of the vibration-rotation interactions. The Re structure exhibits remarkable agreement with the CCSD(T)/cc-pCV5Z predicted structure, validating both the accuracy of the ab initio method and the claimed uncertainties of the theoretical/experimental structure determination.

Rotational spectroscopy of pyridazine and its isotopologs from 235-360 GHz: equilibrium structure and vibrational satellites.

The rotational spectrum of pyridazine (o-C4H4N2), the ortho disubstituted nitrogen analog of benzene, has been measured and analyzed in the gas phase. For the ground vibrational state of the normal isotopolog, over 2000 individual rotational transitions have been identified between 238 and 360 GHz and have been fit to 13 parameters of a 6th-order centrifugal distortion Hamiltonian. All transitions in this frequency region can now be predicted from this model to near experimental accuracy, i.e., well enough for the purpose of any future radio-astronomical search for this species. Three isotopologs, [3-(13)C]-C4H4N2, [4-(13)C]-C4H4N2, and [1-(15)N]-C4H4N2, have been detected in natural abundance, and several hundred lines have been measured for each of these species and fit to 6th-order Hamiltonians. Ten additional isotopologs were synthesized with enhanced deuterium substitution and analyzed to allow for a complete structure determination. The equilibrium structure (Re) of pyridazine was obtained by correcting the experimental rotational constants for the effects of vibration-rotation coupling using interaction constants predicted from CCSD(T) calculations with an ANO0 basis set and further correcting for the effect of electron mass. The final Re structural parameters are determined with excellent accuracy, as evidenced by their ability to predict 28 independent moments of inertia (Ia and Ib for 14 isotopologs) very well from 9 structural parameters. The rotational spectra of the six lowest-energy fundamental vibrational satellites of the main isotopolog have been detected. The rotational spectra of the five lowest-energy vibrational satellites have been assigned and fit to yield accurate rotational and distortion constants, while the fit and assignment for the sixth is less complete. The resultant vibration-rotation interaction (α) constants are found to be in excellent agreement with ones predicted from coupled-cluster calculations, which proved to be the key to unambiguous assignment of the satellite spectra to specific vibration modes.

The molecular structure of and interconversion tunneling in the argon-cis-1,2-difluoroethylene complex.

Guided by ab initio predictions, the structure of the gas-phase complex formed between cis-1,2-difluoroethylene and an argon atom in a pulsed molecular jet is determined using microwave spectroscopy in the 5.7-21.5 GHz region of the spectrum. This is a non-planar, symmetric species, with the argon atom located in the FCCF cavity of the difluoroethylene. The transitions in the microwave spectrum are observed to be split by an interconversion tunneling motion between the two equivalent configurations for the complex with the argon atom located either above or below the difluoroethylene molecular plane. Both one- and two-dimensional discrete variable representation calculations of the tunneling splitting using the ab initio interaction potential for the complex suggest that the barrier to interconversion is overestimated by theory.

Carbonyl diazide, OC(N3)2: synthesis, purification, and IR spectrum.

Carbonyl diazide (1), OC(N(3))(2), is prepared by reaction of triphosgene and tetra-n-butylammonium azide in a solution of diethyl ether or dimethyl ether. The advantage of this synthetic method, relative to other procedures, is that the use of triphosgene, OC(OCCl(3))(2), mitigates the need to use highly poisonous reagents such as phosgene, OCCl(2), or chlorofluorocarbonyl, OC(Cl)F. The identity and purity of OC(N(3))(2) are established by gas-phase IR spectroscopy, which reveals the presence of both syn-syn and anti-syn conformers. Computed anharmonic vibrational frequencies and infrared intensities of carbonyl diazide (1) display excellent agreement with experiment, and reveal the presence of strong Fermi resonances.

Photochemistry of benzylallene: ring-closing reactions to form naphthalene.

Conformer-specific, vibrationally resolved electronic spectroscopy of benzylallene (4-phenyl-1,2-butadiene) is presented along with a detailed analysis of the products formed via its ultraviolet photoexcitation. Benzylallene is the minor product of the recombination of benzyl and propargyl radicals. The mass-selective resonant two-photon ionization spectrum of benzylallene was recorded under jet-cooled conditions, with its S(0)-S(1) origin at 37,483 cm(-1). UV-UV holeburning spectroscopy was used to show that only one conformer was present in the expansion. Rotational band contour analysis provided rotational constants and transition dipole moment direction consistent with a conformation in which the allene side chain is in the anti position, pointing away from the phenyl ring. The photochemistry of benzylallene was studied in a pump-probe geometry in which photoexcitation occurred by counter-propagating the expansion with a photoexcitation laser. The laser was timed to interact with the gas pulse in a short tube that extended the collisional region of the expansion. The products were cooled during expansion of the gas mixture into vacuum, before being interrogated using mass-selective resonant two-photon ionization. The UV-vis spectra of the photochemical products were compared to literature spectra for identification. Several wavelengths were chosen for photoexcitation, ranging from the S(0)-S(1) origin transition (266.79 nm) to 193 nm. Comparison of the product spectral intensities as a function of photoexcitation wavelength provides information on the wavelength dependence of the product yields. Photoexcitation at 266.79 nm yielded five products (benzyl radical, benzylallenyl radical, 1-phenyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,2-dihydronaphthalene, and naphthalene), with naphthalene and benzylallenyl radicals dominant. At 193 nm, the benzylallenyl radical signal was greatly reduced in intensity, while three additional C(10)H(8) isomeric products were observed. An extensive set of calculations of key stationary points on the ground state C(10)H(10) and C(10)H(9) potential energy surfaces were carried out at the DFT B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. Mechanisms for formation of the observed products are proposed based on these potential energy surfaces, constrained by the results of cursory studies of the photochemistry of 1-phenyl-1,3-butadiene and 4-phenyl-1-butyne. A role for tunneling on the excited state surface in the formation of naphthalene is suggested by studies of partially deuterated benzylallene, which blocked naphthalene formation.

Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy and molecular structure of the trans-1,2-difluoroethylene-hydrogen fluoride complex.

Guided by ab initio calculations, Fourier transform microwave rotation spectra in the 6.5-22 GHz region are obtained for the complex formed between trans-1,2-difluoroethylene and hydrogen fluoride, including the normal isotopomer and two singly substituted (13)C species in natural abundance. Spectra are also obtained for the analogous three species formed using deuterium fluoride. Analysis of the spectra provides rotational and hyperfine constants that are used to determine a structure for trans-CHFCHF-HF. This structure is similar to that obtained for 1,1-difluoroethylene-HF [H. O. Leung et al., J. Chem. Phys. 131, 204301 (2009)] in that a primary, hydrogen bonding interaction exists between the HF donor and a F atom acceptor on the 1,2-difluoroethylene moiety, while a secondary interaction occurs between the F atom on the HF molecule and the H atom cis to the hydrogen-bonded F atom on the substituted ethylene and causes the hydrogen bond to deviate from linearity. Because the two F atoms and the two H atoms in trans-1,2-difluoroethylene form electrostatically equivalent pairs, the structure of the complex with HF provides insight into the contribution of steric effects to the observed geometries of fluoroethylene-protic acid complexes. A comparison of the observed hydrogen bond lengths and deviations from linearity in 1,1-difluoroethylene-HF and trans-1,2-difluoroethylene-HF suggests that the F atoms in trans-1,2-difluoroethylene are more nucleophilic than those in 1,1-difluoroethylene and that the H atoms are similarly more acidic. Ab initio calculations of electrostatic potentials mapped onto total electron density surfaces for these two molecules support these conclusions.