Raman spectroscopy of 3‐(pent‐1‐enyl) methyl ether and selected deuterium‐labelled analogues

The Raman spectra of 3-(pent-1-enyl) methyl ether (3-methoxypent-1-ene) and four deuterium-labelled analogues are reported and discussed. Correlations between specific structural features and the associated Raman bands are developed, with a view to enhancing the analytical application of Raman spectroscopy in investigating materials containing an alkenyl group. Particular attention is given to developing means of distinguishing the methyl group attached to the carbon skeleton from that of the methoxy group, to maximize the analytical utility of the signals associated with ν(sp2 CH), ν(sp2 CH2) and ν(CC) stretching vibrations, and to interpreting in more detail certain δ(sp2 CH) and δ(sp2 CH2) vibrations of the atoms of the double bond. These results establish a definitive spectroscopic protocol for differentiating a methoxy group from a methyl substituent attached directly to a carbon atom in unsaturated ethers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.