Infrared spectra of β-hydroquinone–xenon crystal. H/D isotope and temperature effects

Preliminary infrared studies of the host–guest interactions in the β-hydroquinone–Xe clathrate are reported. The infrared spectra of the normal and deuterated compounds are analysed at various temperatures. Normal vibrations of the host H-bonds are found to be very sensitive on the interactions with the Xe guest atoms. The temperature induced escape of the Xe from the normal and deuterated crystals appears at different temperatures and is responsible for different changes of the γOH and γOD deformation mode frequencies, respectively. In both cases the β-hydroquinone crystals with empty cages are formed in the first step and then they are transformed into their α-modifications.