Infrared band strengths for amorphous and crystalline methyl propionate, a candidate interstellar molecule.

Affiliation

Astrochemistry Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, 20771, USA. Electronic address: [Email]

Abstract

Mid-infrared spectra of amorphous and crystalline methyl propionate, CH3CH2COOCH3, are presented for the first time from a single laboratory, along with measurements of the refractive index of each solid form. Density estimates are made and IR band strengths and absorption coefficients are calculated. Vapor pressures of crystalline methyl propionate at 140-150 K are reported along with an enthalpy of sublimation. Spectroscopic results are compared to a recent study of this compound, and the phase of methyl propionate in that work is identified. Several applications are described.

Keywords

Amorphous solids,Astrochemistry,Band strengths,IR spectroscopy,Ices,