IR photoinduced isomerization of CH2DCH2D isolated in a xenon matrix

Abstract CO 2 laser and IR sources have been used to irradiate gauche CH 2 DCH 2 D isolated in a xenon matrix and the isomerization process monitored by FTIR spectroscopy. Conformational interconversion has been observed, showing the unselective coupling of vibrational modes with internal rotation. The existence of back-isomerization at 10 K provides evidence for a tunnelling exchange process.