The resonance two-photon ionization (R2PI) spectra of the jet-cooled a
niline dimers (An-d(0))(2), (An-d(5))(2), and (An-d(7))(2) have been r
ecorded; the first 225 cm(-1) region above the (An-d(0))(2) origin was
also reproduced by fluorescence excitation spectroscopy. Relatively s
harp structure near the origin of the local excited state is attribute
d to intermolecular modes, perhaps of multiple conformers. Broader fea
tures at higher energies are assigned to symmetric ring modes coupled
to an underlying excimer state. The dispersed fluorescence spectrum ex
cited at the dimer electronic origin suggests that excimer formation o
ccurs soon after the local excited state is pumped. Molecular dynamics
simulations support the inference from the spectroscopic observations
that hydrogen bonding governs the structure of the aniline dimer.