Raman and infrared studies of nucleosides at high pressures: I. Adenosine

Room temperature Raman and infrared (IR) spectra of crystalline adenosine at pressures between 1 atm and 10 GPa are reported. Vibrational modes were identified through assignments in the literature. Many modes were found to increase in frequency with pressure; however, some irregularities were observed. Discontinuities were observed in numerous Raman and IR modes near 2.5 GPa, indicating a phase transition. The modes associated with the glycosidic bond shift significantly down in frequency near this pressure, suggesting a weakening of the associated bond. The IR modes associated with hydrogen-stretching motions were found to decrease in frequency with pressure.