Internal Rotation and Spin Conversion of CH3 OH in Solid para-Hydrogen.
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| Title: | Internal Rotation and Spin Conversion of CH |
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| Authors: | Lee, Yuan-Pern, Wu, Yu-Jong, Lees, R.M., Xu, Li-Hong, Hougen, Jon T. |
| Source: | Science (pre-March 2025). 1/20/2006, Vol. 311 Issue 5759, p365-368. 4p. 1 Chart, 3 Graphs. |
| Subjects: | Matrix isolation spectroscopy, Molecular rotation, Stereochemistry, Conformational analysis, Molecular dynamics, Quantum solids, Solid state physics, Crystalline interfaces, Spectrum analysis |
| Abstract: | The quantum solid para-hydrogen (p-H[sub 2]) has recently proven useful in matrix isolation spectroscopy. Spectral lines of compounds embedded in this host are unusually narrow, and several species have been reported to rotate in p-H[sub 2]. We found that a p-H[sub 2] matrix inhibits rotation of isolated methanol (CH[sub 3]OH) but still allows internal rotation about the C-O bond, with splittings of the E/A torsional doublet in internal rotation — coupled vibrational modes that are qualitatively consistent with those for CH[sub 3]OH in the gaseous phase. This simplified high-resolution spectrum further revealed the slow conversion of nuclear spin symmetry from species E to species A in the host matrix, offering potential insight into nuclear spin conversion in astrophysical sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Science (pre-March 2025) is the property of American Association for the Advancement of Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | The quantum solid para-hydrogen (p-H[sub 2]) has recently proven useful in matrix isolation spectroscopy. Spectral lines of compounds embedded in this host are unusually narrow, and several species have been reported to rotate in p-H[sub 2]. We found that a p-H[sub 2] matrix inhibits rotation of isolated methanol (CH[sub 3]OH) but still allows internal rotation about the C-O bond, with splittings of the E/A torsional doublet in internal rotation — coupled vibrational modes that are qualitatively consistent with those for CH[sub 3]OH in the gaseous phase. This simplified high-resolution spectrum further revealed the slow conversion of nuclear spin symmetry from species E to species A in the host matrix, offering potential insight into nuclear spin conversion in astrophysical sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00368075 |
| DOI: | 10.1126/science.1121300 |
