Structure and Barrier to Methyl Group Internal Rotation for (CF3)2CFCF2OCH3 and Its Isomer n-C4F9OCH3 (HFE-7100)

The hydrofluoroether C4F9OCH3 (methoxynonafluorobutane, HFE-7100) has been studied by chirped pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy as vapor from the liquid participates in a supersonic expansion of argon. Two isomers are present, (CF3)2CFCF2OCH3 and n-C4F9OCH3, and in each case the rotational spectra of only one, dominating, conformer has been assigned. Rotational constants, centrifugal distortion constants, and barriers to methyl group internal rotation for the observed species have been experimentally determined for the first time. We note that Ray’s asymmetry parameter for the (CF3)2CFCF2OCH3 isomer is 0.007 083(1), indicating almost “perfect” asymmetry. Also, electronic structure calculations show an extremely short C(frame)−O ether bond length of 1.337 Å.