Infrared studies on rotational isomerism. II. 2-Fluoroethanol

Abstract

The infrared spectra of CH2FCH2OH were measured in the vapor, liquid, and solid states from 4000 to 200 cm−1. The Raman spectrum of the liquid was also measured over the same frequency range. From the results it appears that the free molecules exist almost entirely in the gauche configuration, which is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Only in the vapor at temperatures above 60 to 70 °C is there any indication of weak bands due to trans isomers. In the condensed phases the molecules are associated through strong hydrogen bonds (3–4 kcal/mole).