Knowledge Bank

The far-infrared spectra of several partially deuterated analogues of trimethylene oxide ($\alpha -d2$, $\beta -d2$ and $\alpha ,\alpha \prime -d4$) are reported. Double-minimum potential functions governing the ring puckering motion have been calculated for the entire series including the normal and perdeutero compound. The dependence of these functions on deuterium substitution will be discussed. Data will be presented showing that in the excited states of some fundamental modes the form of the puckering potential is significantly altered. The implications of these changes will be discussed.