Stepwise hydrations of anhydride tuned by hydrogen bonds: rotational study on maleic anhydride-(H2O)1–3

The rotational spectra of maleic anhydride-(H2O)1-3 have been investigated for the first time by using pulsed jet Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy with complementary computational analyses. The experimental evidence points out that water tends to self-aggregate with hydrogen bonds and form homodromic cycles. Differences in bond lengths and charge distribution between the two carbonyl sites have been observed upon stepwise hydrations, which might further introduce a selectivity on the nucleophilic attack sites of hydrolysis. This study provides an important insight into the incipient solvation process (microsolvation) of maleic anhydride in water by understanding the cooperation and rearrangement of intermolecular hydrogen bonds in its stepwise hydrates.