Synthesis, Raman spectrum, ab initio calculations, and structure of 3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1,5-ene

The bicyclic bisether molecule 3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1,5-ene (DOBO) molecule has been synthesized in small quantities and has been shown to be analytically pure by NMR and mass spectra. The vapor-phase Raman spectrum has been analyzed and compared to the predicted spectra from DFT calculations. This spectrum further confirms the structure of the molecule and shows the skeleton of both rings to be planar with D2h symmetry. Ab initio calculations were carried out to predict the bond distances and angles of the molecule, and these also showed the molecule to be planar.