The vibrational spectra of sulfones

A detailed vibrational assignment for dimethyl sulfone has been carried out. This molecule, which has been previously shown to belong to point group C2υ, is roughly an accidental spherical top. The infrared band contours of several fundamental vibrations in the vapor have been determined and are discussed with regard to this top symmetry. The infrared spectra of a number of other sulfones have been determined in the range 2000-250 cm−1. Of the four SO2 bending vibrations, only the SO2 scissoring and wagging vibrations are sufficiently localized to be of value as group frequencies.