Structures and vibrational frequencies of 2-naphthoic acid and 6-bromo-2-naphthoic acid based on density functional theory calculations

The solid phase mid FTIR and FT Raman spectra of 2-naphthoic acid (NA) and 6-bromo-2-naphthoic acid (BNA) have been recorded in the regions 4000-400 cm−1 and 3500-100 cm−1, respectively. The fundamental vibrational frequencies and intensities of the vibrational bands were evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) using standard B3LYP method and 6-311+G** basis set combinations. The vibrational spectra were interpreted, with the aid of normal coordinate analysis based on a scaled quantum mechanical force field. The infrared and Raman spectra were also predicted from the calculated intensities. Comparison of simulated spectra with the experimental spectra provides important information about the ability of the computational method to describe the vibrational modes.