Analyzation of 3,4,5-trifluorophenol using Microwave Spectroscopy

School Name

South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Chemistry

Presentation Type

Mentored

Abstract

We researched the shape of 3,4,5-trifluorophenol through rotational spectroscopy. Experiments in microwave spectroscopy on this specific molecule have not been done before. We tested our microwave spectrometer with acetone first (a substance with a known rotational spectrum) and made sure that its know spectrum fit the spectrum that we recorded on our own. Then we calculated the shape of 3, 4, 5-trifluorophenol using computer software. We used a chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectrometer to measure the microwave spectrum of the molecule. After that, we compared the calculated spectrum with our experimental spectrum and matched the calculated spectrum to transition lines that were observed to determine the experimental rotational constants. Using the data that we collected, we were able to get a precise and accurate measurement of the shape of 3,4,5-trifluorophenol. This shape is related to how it interacts with other molecules in its environment.

Location

HSS 202

Start Date

4-2-2022 9:00 AM

Presentation Format

Oral Only

Group Project

Yes

COinS
 
Apr 2nd, 9:00 AM

Analyzation of 3,4,5-trifluorophenol using Microwave Spectroscopy

HSS 202

We researched the shape of 3,4,5-trifluorophenol through rotational spectroscopy. Experiments in microwave spectroscopy on this specific molecule have not been done before. We tested our microwave spectrometer with acetone first (a substance with a known rotational spectrum) and made sure that its know spectrum fit the spectrum that we recorded on our own. Then we calculated the shape of 3, 4, 5-trifluorophenol using computer software. We used a chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectrometer to measure the microwave spectrum of the molecule. After that, we compared the calculated spectrum with our experimental spectrum and matched the calculated spectrum to transition lines that were observed to determine the experimental rotational constants. Using the data that we collected, we were able to get a precise and accurate measurement of the shape of 3,4,5-trifluorophenol. This shape is related to how it interacts with other molecules in its environment.