Symmetry reduction--vibronically induced mode mixing in the S/sub 1/ state of. beta. -methylnaphthalene

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · J. Chem. Phys.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5122715

Warren, J A; Hayes, J M; Small, G J

Supersonic jet excitation and single vibronic level (SVL) dispersed fluorescence spectra for ..cap alpha..- and ..beta..-methylnaphthalene (S/sub 1/ state) are presented. Marked mirror symmetry breakdown between the excitation and origin excited fluorescence spectra of the ..beta.. isomer is observed. The SVL spectra reveal that mode mixing in the S/sub 1/ state is too extensive to be accounted for by first order treatment of the Duschinsky effect. Vibronically induced mode mixing in the ..beta.. isomer is suggested as the mechanism which leads to intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution which onsets at a significantly lower excess vibrational energy than in naphthalene. The implications of our findings for other polyatomics are discussed.

• Research Organization: Ames Laboratory: USDOE and Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011
• OSTI ID: 5122715
• Journal Information: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 80:5; ISSN JCPSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640302* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Atomic & Molecular Properties & Theory
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ABSORPTION SPECTRA
AROMATICS
ENERGY LEVELS
EXCITED STATES
FLUORESCENCE
INTERACTIONS
LUMINESCENCE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OSCILLATION MODES
SPECTRA
SYMMETRY
VIBRATIONAL STATES