Heavier chalcogenofenchones for fundamental gas-phase studies of molecular chirality

TL;DR

This study introduces heavier chalcogenofenchones as new benchmark molecules for fundamental gas-phase investigations of molecular chirality, combining synthesis, structural analysis, spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations.

Contribution

It presents the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of chalcogenofenchones, enabling systematic studies of nuclear charge effects on chiral molecules in the gas phase.

Findings

Successful synthesis of enantiomerically pure chalcogenofenchones.

Detailed gas-phase spectroscopic data obtained.

Quantum chemical calculations support experimental results.

Abstract

Monoterpene ketones are frequently studied compounds that enjoy great popularity both in chemistry and in physics due to comparatively high volatility, stability, conformational rigidity and commercial availability. Herein, we explore the heavier chalcogenoketone derivatives of fenchone as promising benchmark systems -- synthetically accessible in enantiomerically pure form -- for systematic studies of nuclear charge ($Z$) dependent properties in chiral compounds. Synthesis, structural characterization, thorough gas-phase rotational and vibrational spectroscopy as well as accompanying quantum chemical studies on the density-functional-theory level reported in this work foreshadow subsequent applications of this compound class for fundamental investigations of molecular chirality under well-defined conditions.