Raman Spectra of a Series of Octanols

The Raman spectra of a series of nineteen octanols were obtained using Hg 4358 as the exciting line. These alcohols have structures which differ only in the relative position of a C${\mathrm{H}}_3$ and OH group along the side of a straight carbon chain seven atoms long. The Raman spectra consist in most cases of from seven to ten modified lines whose position and intensity vary considerably for the different compounds. A comparison of the Raman spectra and the molecular structure leads to an interpretation of most of the modified lines in terms of modes of vibration of the molecules. The lines which have been accounted for appear to be due to vibrations of the type C-H, C${\mathrm{H}}_3$-X, OH-X, and a C-C vibration in a plane at right angles to the length of the chain.