Raman spectroscopy of n-pentyl methyl ether and deuterium labelled analogues

The Raman spectra of n-pentyl methyl ether, C(5)H(11)OCH(3), and six selectively deuteriated analogues are reported and discussed. Correlations between the observed v(sp(3)CH) stretching and bending bands and the position of the deuterium atoms in the alkyl chain are developed and refined. Similar progress is possible in associating specific skeletal vibrations with bands in the Raman spectra. The relevance of this study to improving the assignment of bands in the Raman spectra of larger systems of biological interest is highlighted. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.