Infrared Studies on Rotational Isomerism. V. 2-Nitroethanol
The i.r. spectra of 2-nitroethanol in the three physical states were measured between 4000 and 250 cm−1. The liquid and the crystal were also studied in Raman effect. In all three states the molecules exist as gauche and trans isomers, the former being stabilized by a weak intramolecular hydrogen bond. Definite evidence for a third isomer, previously reported in dilute CCl4 solutions, could not be ascertained from the vapor spectra as a function of temperature. On the other hand this study revealed appreciable decomposition of the vapor above 80 °C, with formation of nitroethylene and also some aldehyde. For that reason it was not possible to evaluate the enthalpy of isomerization. The difficulty of securing a pure sample of 2-nitroethanol is emphasized. Only one crystalline phase was obtained.