Microwave spectrum of DNO

The microwave spectrum of deuterated nitroxyl DNO has been observed and analyzed. The molecule was produced by the reaction of D with NO in a flow system. Both a-type and b-type transitions have been observed and the resulting rotational constants, A = 315450.3 ± 4.8 MHz, B = 38731.5 ± 1.5 MHz, and C = 34354.0 ± 1.5 MHz, are in good agreement with those of the lower electronic state ¹A′ for the electronic transition of DNO observed by Dalby. The quadrupole coupling constants for nitrogen are χ_aa = 1.03 ± 0.40 MHz, χ_bb = −6.13 ± 0.26 MHz, χ_cc = 5.10 ± 0.26 MHz. The components of the electric dipole moment of DNO have been determined to be μ_a = 1.18 ± 0.04 D and μ_b = 1.22 ± 0.04 D, giving a total dipole moment μ_total = 1.70 ± 0.05 D. The half lifetime of the molecule varies from 1 to 40 sec, depending on the condition of the surfaces of the absorption cell, which is much longer than the values reported previously.