Abstract

A homologous series of small organic molecules are used to explore the role of low frequency, large amplitude motion in vibrational mode coupling and in photochemically induced isomerization reactions. From the variation in structure in a series of substituted ethanes and strained ring systems, we can begin to link aspects of structure with the propensity for vibrational mode coupling. The molecules to be discussed include 2-fluoroethanol (2FE), 1,2-difluoroethane (DFE), 1-chloro, 2-fluoroethane (CFE), and cyclobutane.

© 1993 Optical Society of America