Fluorination effects on non-covalent binding forces: A rotational study on the 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid–water complex

This study explores the effects of the −CF3 group on non-covalent interactions through a comprehensive rotational investigation of the 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid–water complex. Employing Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy complemented by quantum chemical calculations, two isomers, i.e., s-cis and s-trans structures, have been observed in the pulsed jet. Based on relative intensity measurements, the s-cis to the s-trans population ratio was experimentally estimated to be ∼ 1:1.2. Subsequently, a comparison of the non-covalent interactions was carried out between the three similar complexes, acrylic acid–water, methacrylic acid–water, and 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid–water, offering quantitative insights into fluorination affecting the strength of the formed hydrogen bonds important, e.g., in molecular recognition.