The infrared spectra of theobromine salts
From the infrared spectra of theobromine salts it is concluded that the salts are probably arranged in hydrogen-bonded centrosymmetric pairs involving [Formula: see text] interactions. [Formula: see text] anion− hydrogen bonds are formed by protonation of the free nitrogen atom (N9) in the imidazole ring. Infrared absorption bands arising from the former hydrogen bond constantly appear near 3 000 cm−1, whereas those from the latter shift from 2 580 to 3 300 cm−1, depending on the anion. In-plane NH and N+H deformation modes give bands near 1 485 and 1 160 cm−1, respectively. Out-of-plane NH modes have been located, but precise assignments are not possible.The assignments for some other bands which show deuteration shifts are detailed, and the carbonyl stretching vibrations which increase in frequency on protonation of the free base are identified.