Femtosecond two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy of synthetic hydrogen-bonded wires: From homogeneous to inhomogeneous dynamics

Abstract

Femtosecond two-dimensional infrared (2DIR) spectroscopy was carried out on stereo-selectively synthesized poly-alcohols featuring a quasi-linear array of hydrogen-bonds. From the 2DIR spectra pump-frequency-dependent vibrational lifetimes are extracted, which in turn reflect the strength of the coupling between the hydroxyls constituting the H-bonded chain. The line-broadening dynamics reflect uniquely the conformational control of the scaffold supporting the H-bond wire and the resulting structural flexibility of the hydrogen-bond network.