Solvent dependent analysis of isotropic Raman band shape of C=O stretching vibration

The isotropic Raman band shape corresponding to C=O stretching vibration of some molecules has been studied in neat liquids and as a function of solvent concentration using both polar and non-polar solvents. The Raman band shape was analyzed on the basis of correlation with the Lorentzian line shape by employing a simple method of linear curve fitting. In neat liquids and in low solvent concentration region, the band shape was found to be non-Lorentzian. With the gradual increase in solvent concentration the band shape approaches a Lorentzian function. The plot of the correlation coefficient for a Lorentzian shape shows a discontinuity in the intermediate range of solvent concentration. The influence of the structural characteristics of the solute and the solvent systems on the reference mode and various multipolar interactions together with the time varying spatial distribution of solvent molecules with respect to the reference molecule are expected to govern the microenvironmental fluctuations. This may be responsible for the discontinuity in the inter-mediate solvent concentration region. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.