Terahertz (6-15 THz) spectroscopy and numerical modelling of intermolecular vibrations in benzoic acid and its derivatives

Terahertz spectroscopy of benzoic acid (BA) and two of its derivatives, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (2OH-BA) and 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (3OH-BA), has been investigated in the spectral region 200 to 500 cm-1 (6.06 to 15.15 THz). The spectra show distinct absorption features. There is agreement between some of the absorption lines observed for these compounds, despite a shift in energy, which is attributed to the differences in the molecular structures. Numerical modelling gave corresponding absorption lines, and this helped in the assignment. Temperature dependence studies revealed that most of the absorption lines are composite lines in this frequency region.