The IR absorption spectra of 4-cyano-4',-p-alkoxybiphenyls were invest
igated experimentally (in the range 100-3200 cm-1 at 100-400 K), and t
hey were interpreted on the basis of a calculation of the frequencies,
forms and intensities of the normal vibrations of various conformers
of the propyloxycyanobiphenyl molecule. Temperature and phase changes
in the parameters of the IR spectrum are explained by a change in the
conformational composition and intermolecular interactions in the inve
stigated liquid crystals.