Rotational spectra and computational studies of weakly bound fluoromethane complexes

PHYS 394

Michal M. Serafin, michalserafin@hotmail.com, Rebecca A. Peebles, rpeebles@eiu.edu, and Sean A. Peebles, sapeebles@eiu.edu. Department of Chemistry, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920

A series of fluorinated methanes complexed with linear molecules (H3CF–OCS, H2CF2–OCS, HCF3–OCS, and HCF3–CO2) have been studied by ab initio (Gaussian 03W) and semi-empirical (ORIENT) calculations, and Fourier-transform microwave (FTMW) spectroscopy.  Experimental measurement of rotational spectra for several isotopically substituted species of each complex has enabled a structure determination for each dimer, while Stark effect measurements have provided dipole moment components; evidence of large amplitude motions were observed in the spectra of HCF3–CO2 and H3CF–OCS.  All experimental structures have an approximate antiparallel alignment of the monomers, with one hydrogen atom on the fluorinated methane subunit involved in a C–H…O interaction with the oxygen atom of OCS or CO2.  Theoretical and experimental results will be presented, and structural trends in the series of complexes as a function of the degree of fluorination on the alkyl halide subunit will be discussed. 

 

PHYS Poster Session - General Experiment
7:30 PM-10:00 PM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Physical Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008