Infrared and Raman spectra of 3-benzylidenephthalide and 3-benzylidenephtha
lide-O-18 have been measured in solid state and in solution in the 4000-50
cm(-1) frequency region. Their linear dichroic infrared spectra in oriented
nematic solutions in the liquid crystal ZLI-1538 (4000-400 cm(-1)) have al
so been recorded and studied. The complete empirical assignment of the vibr
ational bands is performed using the group vibrational concept, isotopic sh
ifts and polarization features of the normal modes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scien
ce B.V. All rights reserved.