Kaito Takahashi

Ionization of a molecule can greatly alter its electronic structure as well as its molecular structure and in some cases initiate proton transfer. While CH stretching peaks were observed in the 2900 cm-1 range for diethyl ether (DEE), CH3CH2OCH2CH3, an unusual broad peak was observed at 2700 cm-1 for its cation (Figure 4 lower panel). As can be seen from the calculated structures given in Figure 4, the planar neutral species becomes bent when ionized and furthermore a proton transfer can occur from the CH bond adjacent to the central oxygen.