Low-frequency vibrations specific for conformers of 1-aminoindan studied by UV-UV hole-burning spectroscopy.

The UV-UV hole-burning spectra of the jet-cooled 1-aminoindan were measured for the first time. Complicated spectral features observed in the laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectrum due to two conformers, R and B, were firmly separated. On the basis of fluorescence measurements and B3LYP/cc-pVTZ calculations, low-frequency ring twisting and ring puckering modes were assigned. These modes are coupled in the S1 state due to the Duschinsky rotation. The Duschinsky matrix was calculated from the normal modes predicted by quantum chemical calculations. The coupling between the twisting and puckering modes for conformer B is stronger than that for conformer R. The twisting mode was observed at 0+99 cm(-1) in the S1 state for conformer B, while not for conformer R. The Franck-Condon activity of the twisting mode substantially differs between the two conformers. The transition to the twisting level for conformer B would be allowed by the Duschinsky rotation. The fluorescence lifetime of conformer vibronic levels was also measured and differed for each conformer.