Supersonic Jet Studies of Benzyl Alcohols: Minimum Energy Conformations and Torsional Motion
Abstract
Supersonic jet mass resolved excitation spectroscopy is employed to determine the minimum energy conformations of benzyl alcohol and a series of nine methyl-, ethyl-, fluoro-, and aminobenzyl alcohols. The interpretation of the time-of-flight mass spectra (TOFMS) of these molecules leads to the assignment of specific molecular geometries for each system. The minimum energy conformation of the -CH2O moiety is determined to be perpendicular relative to the plane of the aromatic ring. The hydroxy proton in the sterically unemcumbered benzyl alcohol points toward the benzene ring. The potential energy barrier for the low frequency torsional motion of the hydroxymethyl group arises mainly from an internal hydrogen bonding interaction between the OH group and pi-system of the ring. (jg)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 13, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA221815
Entities
People
- Elliot R. Bernstein
- Henry V. Secor
- Hoong-sun Im
- Jeffrey I. Seeman
Organizations
- Colorado State University