Methyl isocyanate: An analysis of the low-J rotational spectrum using the quasi-symmetric top molecule approach

The low-J rotational spectrum of methyl isocyanate (CH₃NCO) has been analyzed in terms of the quasi-symmetric top molecule model, accounting explicitly for the large-amplitude CNC bending motion, and internal and overall rotation. An assignment of 25 J = 1 ← 0 and 2 ← 1 rotational transitions arising from the various CNC bending and torsional states is proposed. The molecule is found to be a nearly freely internally rotating quasi-symmetric top, with a barrier to linearity of the CNCO skeleton of 1049 cm^?1 and an equilibrium CNC valence angle of 140.2°.     

The microwave spectrum of methyl isocyanate

The microwave spectrum of methyl isocyanate, CH₃NCO, has been measured in the range from 8 to 40 GHz. More than 200 lines have been assigned to the a-type J + 1 ← J rotational transitions (J = 0 to 3) arising from molecules in the ground state and excited torsional and CNC bending states. The observed spectrum has been analyzed and successfully interpreted in terms of the five-dimensional quasi-symmetric top molecule model accounting explicitly for the large-amplitude CNC bending motion, and internal and overall rotation. In the least-squares fitting to the observed transition energies the values of the parameters of the CNC bending-torsional potential function have been determined.     

Doppler-limited dye laser excitation spectroscopy of HCF

The cw dye laser excitation spectrum of the $\text{A}\text{?}{}^1\text{A″(000) ←}\text{X}\text{?}{}^1\text{A′(000)}$ vibronic band of HCF was observed between 17 188 and 17 391 cm^?1 with the Doppler-limited resolution, 0.04 cm^?1. The HCF molecule was produced by the reaction of discharged CF₄ with CH₃F, and 853 lines were observed, of which 516 transitions were assigned to K′_a ← K″_a = 3 ← 4, 2 ← 3, 1 ← 2, 0 ← 1, 1 ← 0, 2 ← 1, 0 ← 0, 1 ← 1, 2 ← 2, 3 ← 3, 2 ← 0, and 0 ← 2 subbands. A rotational analysis yielded the rotational constants and quartic and sextic centrifugal distortion constants for both the $\text{A}\text{?}$ and $\text{X}\text{?}$ states and the band origin, with good precision. The molecular constants determined reproduce the observed transition frequencies with an average deviation of 0.0038 cm^?1. Small rotational perturbations in the excited state were found at J = 5, 6 and J = 10, 11 of J_1,J and at J = 15, 16 of J_2,J?1 levels.     

Study of the torsion-rotation Hamiltonian for symmetric tops using the millimeter wave spectrum of methyl silane

The torsion-rotation Hamiltonian for symmetric tops has been tested in methyl silane by combining recent anticrossing molecular beam measurements in the ground torsional state (v = 0) with pure rotational spectra taken for v as high as 4. The earlier microwave data set which consisted of J = 1 ← 0 and 2 ← 1 has been greatly extended by studying millimeter transitions for J = 4 ← 3, 5 ← 4, and 13 ← 12. An analysis of the 72 rotational frequencies for v ≤ 2 and the 15 anticrossing data for v = 0 yielded an excellent fit using 14 rotational, torsional, and distortion constants including the effective values for the A rotational constant and the barrier height V₃. No satisfactory fit could be obtained when the data set was extended to include measurements for (v = 3) or (v = 4). For each of these higher torsional levels, the difference between the observed frequencies and the predictions based on the best (v ≤ 2) constants can be expressed in terms of a shift δB_v in the B rotational constant, where δB_v is a smooth function of the torsional energy. This disagreement is of particular interest because it may result from the fact that the molecule passes from hindered to free rotation as v is increased from 2 to 4. The possibility of perturbation by a low-lying vibrational level is considered briefly. The information contained in the different types of spectra is discussed; the redundancy relations are treated and a Fourier expansion of the diagonal torsional matrix elements is introduced. For ¹²CH₃²⁹SiH₃, ¹²CH₃³⁰SiH₃, and ¹³CH₃²⁸SiH₃ pure rotational spectra for v = 0 were studied briefly in natural abundance. The results were combined with existing data for two deuterated symmetric rotors to obtain a structure based only on symmetric top rotational constants.     

Submillimeter spectrum and spectroscopic constants of the arsine molecule in the ground vibrational state

The submillimeter spectrum of the arsine molecule, AsH₃, of both the allowed R-branch transitions (J + 1 ← J, J = 0, 1, 2, 3) and forbidden transitions of the Q branches, |K| = 4 ← 7, 5 ← 8, 6 ← 9, is investigated in the frequency range from 220 to 900 GHz. Weak absorption lines were observed by using the spectrometer RAD with sensitivity increased by a nontunable cavity cell. On the basis of the results obtained and microwave data available in the literature the rotational spectrum of the arsine molecule in the ground state is analyzed.     

Magnetic rotation observation of the C2b3Σg− ← a3Πu transition using a color center laser

The magnetic rotation observation of the C₂b³Σ_g^? ← a³Π_u Ballik-Ramsay system using a color center laser is reported. This is the first detection of this system in absorption. Three bands, 0 ← 1, 1 ← 2, and 2 ← 3, were identified in the spectral range 3650–4030 cm^?1. The last two bands were observed for the first time. In magnetic rotation many satellite lines (ΔN ≠ ΔJ) which would be very weak in normal absorption have been observed with intensity comparable to the main branch lines. This permits a slight improvement in the accuracy of some of the fine structure constants. A variety of lineshapes are observed for the various branches by magnetic rotation. Because the b³Σ_g^? fine structure is small, giving a partial overlap, the peak frequency of a magnetic rotation signal usually does not correspond to the center frequency of the normal absorption signal of that transition. A computer program has been written to predict magnetic rotation lineshapes and obtain the peak frequency displacements. Various observed and calculated lineshapes are displayed and compared.     

The microwave spectrum of methyl isothiocyanate

The microwave spectrum of methyl isothiocyanate, CH₃NCS, has been measured in the range from 5 to 26 GHz. Almost 300 lines have been assigned to the a-type J + 1 ← J rotational transitions (J = 0 to 4) arising from molecules in the ground state and excited torsional and CNC bending states. The observed spectrum has been analyzed and successfully interpreted in terms of the five-dimensional quasi-symmetric top molecule model accounting explicitly for the large-amplitude CNC bending motion, and internal and overall rotation. In the least-squares fitting to the observed transition energies the values of the parameters of the CNC bending-torsional potential function have been determined.     

Variation of Br quadrupole coupling with isotopic substitution in methyl bromide

The J = 0 ← 1 transitions in CH₃⁷⁹Br (I), CH₃⁸¹Br (II), CD₃⁷⁹Br (III), and CD₃⁸¹Br (IV) were measured using a Stark-cell spectrometer constructed from C-band waveguide. High-resolution spectra yielded precise values for the bromine quadrupole coupling strength. Values obtained were eqQ(I) = ?577.08 ± 0.15 MHz, eqQ(II) = ?482.18 ± 0.15 MHz, eqQ(III) = ?575.66 ± 0.15 MHz, and eqQ(IV) = ?480.89 ± 0.15 MHz. The observed center frequencies for the J = 0 ← 1 transitions are ν₀(I) = 19136.35 ± 0.03 MHz, ν₀(II) = 19063.62 ± 0.03 MHz, ν₀(III) = 15429.23 ± 0.03 MHz, and ν₀(IV) = 15362.41 ± 0.03 MHz. A 0.26 ± 0.02% decrease in bromine quadrupole coupling is observed when the methyl group is fully deuterated. This is in agreement with, and supports interpretations given for, previous results on methyl chloride.     

M-dependence of collisional transfer of rotational energy in OCS mixtures

Collision-induced transitions between rotational levels of OCS in the ground vibrational state have been investigated by steady-state microwave double resonance, with the M sublevels separated by a Stark field. The (2 ← 1)_P-(1 ← 0)_S, (3 ← 2)_P-(1 ← 0)_S, and (4 ← 3)_P-(1 ← 0)_S systems have been studied for pure OCS and for mixtures with excess CH₃OH, He, and H₂. For four-level systems having dipolar connections (ΔJ = 1; ΔM = 0, ± 1; parity ± ? ?) between pump and signal levels, it is found for OCS and the OCS-CH₃OH mixture that the dipole-type ΔJ = 1 transitions always dominate the collisional transfer, but for the OCS-He and OCS-H₂ mixtures that ΔJ = 2 quadrupole-type transitions are dominant. For all four collision partners, significant ΔJ = 2 and ΔJ = 3 collisional transfer is observed in some systems, indicating the presence of high-order terms in the collisional interaction.     

Microwave and submillimeter-wave spectra of CH3OH

Frequency measurements and assignments have been made for CH₃OH lines in the 15- to 400-GHz region. The a-type R-branch multiplets are reported up to J = 8 ← 7 for the v_t=0 torsional ground state, and to J = 6 ← 5 for the v_t=1 and v_t=2 excited states. Several new Q branches are listed and many b-type P- and R-branch transitions have been identified over a wide range of J and k values.     

Microwave measurements and calculations of quadrupole coupling effects in CH3I and CD3I

The transitions J = 1 ← 0, K = 0; J = 2 ← 1, K = 0; and J = 2 ← 1, K = 1 of CH₃I and CD₃I were measured using a Stark-modulated microwave spectrometer. Iodine quadrupole coupling strengths were analyzed to determine variations with deuterium substitution on the methyl group and variations with centrifugal distortion. Quadrupole coupling strengths were described by the expression $\text{eQq}{}_0\text{+ aJ(J + 1) + bK}{}^2\text{+}\text{cK}{}^4\text{J(J + 1)}$. Explicit expressions are given for a, b, and c for a symmetric top in terms of molecular parameters. For CH₃I eQq₀ = ?1934.11 ± 0.02 MHz and for CD₃I eQq₀ = ?1928.95 ± 0.04 MHz. Rotational constants obtained are B(CH₃I) = 7501.274 ± 0.002 MHz and B(CD₃I) = 6040.298 ± 0.007 MHz. The observed fractional change in halogen quadrupole coupling of 0.0027 is related to previous results for methyl chloride and methyl bromide.     

Microwave spectrum of methyl chloride in the excited vibrational states: Coriolis interaction between the ν2 and ν5 states

The rotational spectra of CD₃³⁵Cl, CD₃³⁷Cl, CH₃³⁶Cl, and CH₃³⁷Cl in the ν₂, ν₃, ν₅, and ν₆ states were observed and analyzed. A few lines of the J = 3 → 2 transition were also detected for ¹²CD₃³⁵Cl in the 2ν₃ state and for ¹³CD₃³⁵Cl in the ν₃ state. For CH₃³⁵Cl in the ν₆ state the present data on the J = 1 ← 0 and J = 2 ← 1 transitions were combined with the millimeterwave spectra reported by Sullivan and Frenkel to determine the molecular constants. Special attention was given to the ν₂ and ν₅ spectra which showed the effect of Coriolis resonance. By transferring some of the constants involved from the laser-Stark spectra we determined B₅^*, B₂^*, and q₅^* for CD₃Cl. The large effective q₅ constant permitted observation of the direct l-doubling transitions of high J. The analysis of the CH₃Cl spectra was much less complete than that on CD₃Cl because of limited data. The B rotational constants obtained were compared with the previous microwave and infrared results when available.By using the infrared data on ν₁ and ν₄ we evaluated the equilibrium B_e constants (α₄^B of CD₃³⁷Cl was estimated), and refined the equilibrium structure of methyl chloride reported by Duncan.     

Stark spectroscopy of 13CD3OH with the HCN laser

The laser Stark spectrum of ¹³CD₃OH has been studied using the 311 μm line of the HCN laser. An extensive series of absorption lines has been observed and assigned to the J = 3 to 11 members of the K = 2 ← 3E₁, Q-branch transition in the v_t = 1 excited torsional state. Zero-field frequencies for all the assigned transitions are given with improved accuracy over those calculated from available molecular constants. For the Q-branch series, the branch origin and the series expansion coefficients are also presented.     

Internal rotation in methyl silane by avoided-crossing molecular-beam spectroscopy

The avoided-crossing molecular-beam electric-resonance technique was applied to methyl silane in the ground torsional state. A new type of anticrossing is introduced which breaks the torsional symmetry and obeys the selection rules ΔJ = 0, K = +1 /a3 ?1. For these “barrier” anticrossings, the values of the crossing fields E_c yield directly the internal rotation splittings; the E_c are independent of the difference (A-B) in the rotational constants. Such anticrossings were observed for J from 1 to 6. Studies were also conducted of several “rotational” anticrossings (J, K) = (1, ±1) /a3 (2, 0) for which E_c does depend on (A-B). The normal rotational transition (J, K) = (1, 0) ← (0, 0) was observed in the ground torsional state using the molecular beam spectrometer. The present data on CH₃²⁸SiH₃ were combined with Hirota's microwave spectra and analyzed with the torsion-rotation Hamiltonian including all quartic centrifugal distortion terms. In addition to evaluating B and several distortion constants, determinations were made of the moment of inertia of the methyl top I_α = 3.165(5) amu-Ų, the effective rotational constant A^eff = 56 189.449(32) MHz, and the effective height of the threefold barrier to internal rotation V₃^eff = 592.3359(73) cm^?1. The correlations leading to these two effective constants are discussed and the true values of A and V₃ are determined within certain approximations. For the isotopic species CH₃³⁰SiH₃, barrier and rotational anticrossings were observed. The isotopic changes in A and V₃ were determined, as well as an upper limit to the corresponding change in I_α.     

Infrared-microwave double resonance in CH3OH using a Zeeman-tuned 3.5-μm HeXe laser

Infrared microwave double resonance signals have been observed for CH₃OH using the 3.5-μm HeXe laser line. When microwave transitions in the ground vibrational state are pumped, the double resonance signals are obtained on two infrared transitions v = 1 ← 0 of ν^CH(a′); v = 1, J, K, μ = 4, 2, 1 ← v = 0, J, K, μ = 3, 2, 1, and 4, 3, 1 ← 3, 3, 1. Three weak double resonance signals are due to the collision-induced transitions. Their relative intensities have been explained successfully by using the rate constants of collision-induced transitions which are proportional to the dipole matrix elements between the states involved in the transitions.     

Laser magnetic resonance measurement of rotational transitions in the metastable a1Δg state of oxygen

Laser magnetic resonance (LMR) for five rotational transitions, J = 4 ← 3, 5 ← 4, 7 ← 6, 8 ← 7, 9 ← 8, of the oxygen molecule ¹⁶O¹⁶O in its metastable state, a¹Δ_g, v = 0, are observed using six fir laser lines. Taking the known values of the g factors, their zero-field frequencies are obtained as 340.0085(6), 424.9810(9), 594.870(1), 679.780(1), and 764.658(1) GHz, respectively. They are fit by $\text{(}\text{E}\text{h}\text{) = B}{}_0\text{[J(J + 1) ? 4] + D}{}_0\text{[J(J + 1) ? 4]}{}^2\text{+ (?1)}{}^{\mathrm{J}}\text{(}\text{1}\text{2}\text{)qJ (J + 1)[J(J + 1) ? 2]}$, where B₀ = 42.50457(10) GHz, D₀ = 153.14(110) kHz, and q = 0.050(90) kHz.     

The microwave spectrum of IF5 in excited vibrational states: Accidental degeneracy and avoided crossing of the kl = 3 and kl = −1 levels in the state v9(E) = 1

Measurements of the microwave spectrum of the C_4v molecule IF₅ in the excited vibrational states v₉(E) = 1 and v₅(B₁) = 1 are reported for the transitions J12 ← 11 and J13 ← 12 (65–72 GHz). The considerable spectral perturbations produced by an accidental degeneracy and avoided crossing of the ψ^? (kl = 3) and ψ^? (kl = ?1) levels of the v₉(E) = 1 state have been measured and analyzed. A spectroscopic determination of the axial rotation constant C₉ is reported and its implications for the molecular structure of IF₅ discussed.     

R-branch head of the ν3 band of CO2 at elevated temperatures

The R-branch head of the 00⁰1 ← 00⁰0 band of ¹²C¹⁶O₂ has been recorded with Doppler-limited resolution using a tunable laser difference-frequency spectrometer. J values to 140 were measured at temperatures to 985 K. The data have been combined with extremely precise transition frequencies for 0 ≤ J ≤ 76 measured with a Fourier transform interferometer to obtain an improved set of spectral constants for this ν₃ band of CO₂.     

Inversion-rotation spectrum and spectroscopic parameters of 14ND3 in the ground state

The far-infrared spectrum of ¹⁴ND₃ has been recorded in the region between 30 and 220 cm^?1 at a resolution, before deconvolution, of approximately 0.004 cm^?1. ΔJ = +1, ΔK = 0, a ← s and s ← a inversion-rotation transitions have been measured and assigned up to J″ = 19. These transitions, the pure inversion-microwave transitions and ground-state combination differences from the analysis of the ν₂ and ν₄ bands have been fitted simultaneously to an inversion-rotational Hamiltonian which includes Δk = ±3 and Δk = ±6 interaction terms. The ground-state spectroscopic parameters obtained in this way reproduce the transition frequencies within the accuracy of the measurements.     

Microwave spectrum of silyl fluoride: Coriolis resonance between ν2 and ν5 states

The J = 1 ← 0 and J = 2 ← 1 microwave rotational transitions of SiH₃F and SiD₃F have been measured for the ground and the v₂ = 1, v₃ = 1, v₅ = 1, and v₆ = 1 vibrational states, for which the various rotational and vibration-rotation interaction constants have been obtained. Both molecules show an X-Y Coriolis resonance between the ν₂ and ν₅ vibrational states, whose separation are 29 and 8 cm^?1, respectively. In the case of SiD₃F the resonance is very strong and an exact numerical diagonalization of the energy matrix was employed.