Mid-infrared Laser Spectroscopy of Jet-Cooled Formic Acid Trimer: Mode-Dependent Line Broadening in the C-O Stretching Region

Building on recent progress in the vibrational spectroscopy of the formic acid trimer, we present the first high-resolution measurements of the jet-cooled laser absorption spectrum of (HCOOH)(3). The spectra of the lowest- and highest-frequency C-O stretching fundamentals are analyzed whereas the third band is not observed, complicated by monomer and dimer absorptions at 1219 cm(-1 )(8.2 mu m). Vibration-rotation parameters are obtained for the band at 1172.31512(68) cm(-1) whereas the C-O stretch at 1246.33(5) cm(-1) exhibits a significantly larger breadth, allowing only resolution of the coarse PQR structure. Vibrational predissociation can be ruled out, and intramolecular vibrational redistribution mechanisms are discussed, particularly coupling to the concerted proton exchange within the cyclic dimer subunit. Ultimately, the question remains open. The prospects of high-resolution measurements of other trimer bands or isotope substitution experiments, which might assist in revealing the mode-specificity of the underlying broadening mechanisms, are discussed.