Conformational analysis of 2,2,2-trichloroethyl methyl ether by low-resolution microwave spectroscopy

The low-resolution microwave spectra of 2,2,2-trichloroethyl methyl ether h ave been recorded from 26.5 to 39.0 GHz. From the spacing of the major band s, it is shown that the value of 2065.4 MHz for B + C is consistent with th e presence of the gauche conformer. Another set of bands of approximately t wo-third the intensity of the major bands has also been observed. The value of 1996.5 MHz for B + C is consistent with the presence of the trans confo rmer. The microwave data indicate that the gauche conformer is the abundant one in the gas phase, interpretation as to the dominance of the gauche con former will be suggested. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.