Far infrared study of molecular reorientation in some alkoxyazoxybenzenes

Far infrared spectra in the frequency range 20 to 200 cm −1 for the 4,4δ-di-n-alkoxyazoxybenzene homologous series are presented for the isotropic and nematic phases and for 0.1 M solution in benzene. In addition some partially deuteriated samples were studied. The spectra consist generally of two broad bands. By comparison of the spectra for different deuteriated compounds it is possible to interpret the higher frequency band as being connected with the intramolecular torsional vibration of the end groups. The band at lower frequencies we associate with the Poley absorption of librating molecules. The confined rotator model calculations performed for this band, for all compounds studied, give the rotational correlation time which is in good agreement with the correlation times as derived from quasi-elastic neutron scattering experiments.