The infrared spectrum of the water-formamide complex in argon matrices
has been recorded from 10 to 4000 cm-1. The interaction energy of the
complex forming molecules has been calculated from a theoretical pote
ntial. One global and three different local minima have been found for
this potential. Intermolecular vibration frequencies have been calcul
ated for each minimum. The results are compared with the experimentall
y observed far infrared spectrum. In agreement with microwave measurem
ents and ab initio calculations, the global minimum of the complex is
found, both from calculations and experiment, to have a cyclic structu
re with water forming a hydrogen bond to the amide oxygen and receivin
g a hydrogen bond from an amide hydrogen. In addition to the cyclic co
mplex, we observe one of the local minimum structures of the complex,
where water accepts a hydrogen bond from the amide NH on the CH side o
f the amide.