Infrared Spectroscopic Investigation of the Acidic CH Bonds in Cationic n-Alkanes: Pentane, Hexane, and Heptane

Radical cations of n-alkanes (pentane, hexane, and heptane) in the gas phase are investigated by infrared predissociation spectroscopy with the argon or nitrogen tagging. All-trans and gauche-involving conformers are identified for these cations by comparisons of observed infrared spectra and vibrational simulations. Intense CH stretch bands are observed in the frequency region lower than the normal alkyl CH stretch frequency. These low frequencies and high intensities of the CH stretch bands are caused by the CH bond weakening and the enhanced positive charge of the hydrogen atoms through the delocalization of the σ electron in the CH bonds. These effects of the delocalization of the σ electron result in the enhanced acidity of the CH bonds. The conformation as well as alkyl chain length dependence of the acidity of the CH bonds is demonstrated by the CH stretch frequency shift trend.