Vibrational spectroscopic studies, NLO, HOMO–LUMO and electronic structure calculations of α,α,α-trichlorotoluene using HF and DFT

FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of α,α,α-trichlorotoluene have been recorded and analyzed. The geometry, fundamental vibrational frequencies are interpreted with the aid of structure optimizations and normal coordinate force field calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) method and a comparative study between HF level and various basis sets combination. The fundamental vibrational wavenumbers as well as their intensities were calculated and a good agreement between observed and scaled calculated wavenumbers has been achieved. The complete vibrational assignments of wavenumbers are made on the basis of potential energy distribution (PED). The effects due to the substitutions of methyl group and halogen were investigated. The absorption energy and oscillator strength are calculated by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). The electric dipole moment, polarizability and the first hyperpolarizability values of the α,α,α-trichlorotoluene have been calculated. 1H NMR chemical shifts were calculated by using the gauge independent atomic orbital (GIAO) method with HF and B3LYP methods with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. Moreover, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and thermodynamic properties were performed. Mulliken and natural charges of the title molecule were also calculated and interpreted.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Mulliken and natural charges were studied. ► HOMO and LUMO, absorption wavelength and excitation energies were performed. ► Molecular electrostatic potential distribution of α,α,α-trichlorotoluene was calculated. ► All results were compared with experimental FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra.