Rotational Spectrum Of Acetoin (ch3coch(oh)ch3)

Rebelsky, Jonathan

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/116498 Copy

Description

Title

Rotational Spectrum Of Acetoin (ch3coch(oh)ch3)

Author(s)

Rebelsky, Jonathan

Contributor(s)

• Widicus Weaver, Susanna L.
• Shipman, Steven
• Schultz, Chase P.

Issue Date

2022-06-22

Keyword(s)

Large amplitude motions, internal rotation

Abstract

Acetoin (CH$_3$COCH(OH)CH$_3$) is a common additive to e-cigarette fluids. Though not toxic itself, it decomposes into diacetyl (CH$_3$COCOCH$_3$), which is known to cause lung damage. Diacetyl may be important in interstellar chemistry because it has been observed as a VUV desorption product from an interstellar ice analog experiment studying acetaldehyde-based ices. We reported on an attempt to study this molecule at this conference in 2021. Given its extremely small dipole moment and multiple methyl rotors, the study of diacetyl is challenging. Acetoin, conversely, has a strong dipole moment of 2.55 D, which allows its spectrum to be easily observed. The microwave spectrum of acetoin has been collected by Gou and coworkers as reported in the Microwave Newsletter. We extended measurements of rotational lines from 70 to 115 GHz and from 140 to 800 GHz. These data were collected using a long-path length direct absorption flow cell spectrometer. The spectral analysis is underway. The results of this spectrum will enable astronomical observations for both acetoin and, by proxy, diacetyl. Here we will report on the millimeter/submillimeter spectrum of acetoin and our progress towards its analysis and comparison to observations.

Publisher

International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy

Type of Resource

text

Language

eng

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/116498

DOI

https://doi.org/10.15278/isms.2022.WF06

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 held by the authors

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