Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic study of 4-Pyridinecarboxaldehyde and of its UV-induced photochemistry

Abstract

The structure, infrared spectrum, barrier to internal rotation, and photochemistry of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (4PCA) were studied by low-temperature (10 K) matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations undertaken at both Moller-Plesset to second order (MP2) and density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) levels of approximation. The molecule has a planar structure (Cs point group), with MP2/6-311 ++G(d,p) predicted internal rotation barrier of 26.6 kJ mol(-1), which is slightly smaller than that of benzaldehyde (similar to 30 kJ mol(-1)), thus indicating a less important electron charge delocalization from the aromatic ring to the aldehyde moiety in 4PCA than in benzaldehyde. A complete assignment of the infrared spectrum of 4PCA isolated in an argon matrix has been done for the whole 4000-400 cm(-1) spectral range, improving over previously reported data. Both the geometric parameters and vibrational frequencies of the aldehyde group reveal the relevance in this molecule of the electronic charge back-donation effect from the oxygen trans lone electron pair to the aldehyde C-H anti-bonding orbital. Upon in situ UV irradiation of the matrix-isolated compound, prompt decarbonylation was observed, leading to formation of pyridine