SERS SPECTRA OF 2-AMINOPHENOL IN SILVER COLLOIDS

Raman, IR, and SERS spectra of 2-aminophenol are recorded and analyzed . Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding is noticed between NH2 and OH groups in the compound. As bands due to CC stretching, in-plane CH be nding, and in-plane and out-of-plane CCC bending modes are enhanced in the SERS spectra, it is inferred that the molecule assumes a tilted ' 'side on'' orientation with respect to the silver surface. The OH out- of-plane bending mode is enhanced in one type of silver colloid, while the twisting mode of NH2 is enhanced in the other one. Also, the subs tituent-sensitive CX in-plane bending mode shows different frequencies in the two colloids. These differences in the spectra of the two coll oids are interpreted as due to distinct orientations. (C) 1995 Academi c Press, Inc.