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Mass-selected complexes A-C6FnH6-n (A = Cl, I, SF6 n = 0-5) were studied by infrared photodissociation spectroscopy and computational chemistry methods to investigate the interaction of negative ions and aromatic molecules, in which the charge distribution can be tuned by fluorination. Surprisingly, we find that, despite positive partial charges on the carbon atoms at high levels of fluorination, all anions under study prefer hydrogen bonding to the remaining H atoms in the ligand rather than binding to the positively charged ring. Moreover, bifurcated hydrogen bonds to two neighboring OH groups are energetically favored over linear hydrogen bonds to a single OH group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the work of Küpper, Stapelfeldth and colleagues which demonstrates the separation of conformational isomers using the electric field in a molecular-beam electrostatics deflector. In this experiment, the researchers selectively steer individual conformers who have different dipole moments through the employment of an homogeneous electric field. It explains that the different dipole moments of the conformers lead to differing degrees of deflection causing only one isomer to arrive at the interaction region. It notes that method opens the way for future researches on photodissociation or reaction dynamics involving isomers.