Structure, vibrational spectroscopy, and photochemistry of 5-phenoxy-1-phenyltetrazole in argon and nitrogen cryomatrices

Abstract

The molecular structure, infrared spectra, and photochemistry of 5-phenoxy-1-phenyltetrazole (5PPT) isolated in argon and N2 cryogenic matrices were investigated by infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculations (DFT(B3LYP)/6-311++G(d,p)). Calculations yield two dissimilar minima on the potential energy surface of the molecule, both being eightfold degenerate by symmetry and belonging to the C1 symmetry point group. Extensive analysis of the potential energy landscape of the molecule was performed. Upon consideration of the zero-point vibrational correction to the energy, the calculations predict that the higher energy minimum shall relax barrierlessly to the lower energy form, leading to conclude that the compound exists in a single conformer in the gas phase. Accordingly, a single conformer was observed and fully characterized spectroscopically upon isolation of the monomer of the compound in argon and nitrogen cryomatrices. UV-laser irradiation (λ = 250 nm) of matrix-isolated 5PPT leads to photocleavage of the tetrazole ring, with release of N2 and formation of the corresponding carbodiimide.