Direct evidence for weak intramolecular O–H⋯π hydrogen bonding in 1-hydroxytetralin

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) excitation and single vibronic level fluorescence (SVLF) spectra of jet-cooled 1-hydroxytetralin (1HT) have been measured to investigate the nature of weak intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The vibronic bands observed in the LIF excitation spectrum were responsible for two conformers resulting from different configurations of the saturated six-membered ring with the orientation of the hydroxyl group. The hydroxyl hydrogen in the stable conformers was directed toward the benzene π-electrons. The conformational preferences in 1HT clearly indicate the weak intramolecular O–H ⋯ π hydrogen bonding.