Raman spectra and conformational properties of hexyl- and methylsulphanyl-substituted oligothiophenes

A Raman study on bithiophenes beta-functionalized with hexyl and methylsulp hanyl (SCH3) groups and a quaterthiophene beta-functionalized with methylsu lphanyl groups is reported. MM2 calculations were carried out on the hexyl derivatives and the results compared to those derived from Raman data. Evid ence was obtained of the fact that the conformational preferences of alkyl bithiophenes are the same both in dilute solution and as pure liquids. Rama n data confirm the efficiency of the SCH, group in compensating the loss of pi conjugation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.