MICROWAVE SPECTROSCOPY OF THE CYCLOPENTANOL - WATER DIMER

Abstract

Observations of gas-phase dimers are one of the simplest methods for studying bimolecular interactions. These dimers are excellent model systems for molecular interactions, providing a benchmark for theoretical studies, and a basis for understanding and modeling more complex interactions. Of particular interest are studies of strong (O---H$cdots$O---H) and weak (C---H$cdots$O---H) long-range interactions of water. We have recently recorded the pure rotational spectrum of the cyclopentanol-water dimer with chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy (CP-FTMW). We will present the spectrum of this dimer and discuss its structure in the context of C---H$cdots$O---H and O---H$cdots$O---H bonding.