The conversion of enantiomeric molecules into spectroscopically distinct diasteromeric complexes has been proposed as a promising new means for chiral analysis. The success of this method requires the characterization of potential chiral tags as well as demonstrations of the feasibility and power of the technique. 2-(trifluoromethyl)- and 2-vinyloxirane are chiral molecules with simple, hyperfine-free spectra. They are high vapor pressure liquids that can be easily incorporated into a free jet expansion for complex formation and spectroscopic analysis and they are commerically available in enantiomerically pure forms as well as racemic mixtures. The microwave spectra of these two molecules and their carbon and oxygen atom substitution structures have been obtained through undergraduate research projects. Additionally, the spectrum and structure of the 2-(trifluoromethyl)-oxirane-argon complex were obtained in connection with this work.

Microwave spectra and molecular structures of 2-(trifluoromethyl)-oxirane and 2-vinyloxirane, two candidates for chiral analysis via noncovalent chiral tagging

254th National Meeting (2017)

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