Knowledge Bank

“The band shape of the OH Stretching vibration in a series of aliphatic alcohols in solution has been investigated with a high resolution infrared grating spectrophotometer. Varying degrees of asymmetry are observed, with t-butanol exhibiting the most symmetrical and 4-heptanol the most asymmetrical and shape. The apparent asymmetry show some dependence on structure. Temperature studies as well us studies with deuterated alcohols have been made. The concentration ranges employed in the several solvents used Were low enough to eliminate the possibility of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the alcohol molecules. Consideration is given to a number of possible interpretations including rotational isomerism, solvent effects and intramolecular interactions.”