Spectra–Structure Correlations in Isotopomers of Ethanol (CX(3)CX(2)OX; X = H, D): Combined Near-Infrared and Anharmonic Computational Study

The effect of isotopic substitution on near-infrared (NIR) spectra has not been studied in detail. With an exception of few major bands, it is difficult to follow the spectral changes due to complexity of NIR spectra. Recent progress in anharmonic quantum mechanical calculations allows for accurate reconstruction of NIR spectra. Taking this opportunity, we carried out a systematic study of NIR spectra of six isotopomers of ethanol (CX(3)CX(2)OX; X = H, D). Besides, we calculated the theoretical spectra of two other isotopomers (CH(3)CD(2)OD and CD(3)CH(2)OD) for which the experimental spectra are not available. The anharmonic calculations were based on generalized vibrational second-order perturbation theory (GVPT2) at DFT and MP2 levels with several basis sets. We compared the accuracy and efficiency of various computational methods. It appears that the best results were obtained with B2PLYP-GD3BJ/def2-TZVP//CPCM approach. Our simulations included the first and second overtones, as well as binary and ternary combinations bands. This way, we reliably reproduced even minor bands in the spectra of diluted samples (0.1 M in CCl(4)). On this basis, the effect of isotopic substitution on NIR spectra of ethanol was accurately reproduced and comprehensively explained.