Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Characterization of Synthetic Polymers via Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 10, 2018
Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding in Methyl Lactate
Sidsel D Schrøder1, Jens H Wallberg1, Jay A Kroll2,3
1Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
Methyl lactate exhibits intramolecular hydrogen bonding in its most common forms, confirmed by advanced spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. This hydrogen bonding involves the hydroxyl group interacting with either the carbonyl or ester oxygen.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Computational Chemistry
Background:
- Intramolecular hydrogen bonding significantly influences molecular properties.
- Methyl lactate is a relevant ester with potential for hydrogen bonding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intramolecular hydrogen bonding in methyl lactate.
- To compare experimental spectroscopic data with theoretical predictions.
Main Methods:
- Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
- Intracavity laser photoacoustic spectroscopy
- Cavity ring-down spectroscopy
- Quantum chemical calculations (CCSD(T)-F12a/VDZ-F12)
Main Results:
- Observed OH-stretching transitions in the vapor phase.
- Theoretical frequencies and oscillator strengths matched experimental data.
- All three abundant methyl lactate conformers show intramolecular hydrogen bonding.
Conclusions:
- The hydroxyl group in methyl lactate forms hydrogen bonds with carbonyl or ester oxygen.
- Electron density topology, NBO analysis, and electrostatic potential supported the findings.
Related Concept Videos
Hydrogen Bonds
Hydrogen Bonds
Hydrogen Bonds Control the World!
Because hydrogen has very weak electronegativity when it binds with a strongly electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen, electrons in the bond are unequally shared....
Multiple Halogenation of Methyl Ketones: Haloform Reaction
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals II
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I
Molecular Orbital Theory II

