The microwave spectrum and structure of the argon trifluoroacetonitrile complex

The rotational spectrum of argon trifluoroacetonitrile complex has been studied by pulsed-nozzle, Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. Both a-type and b-type transitions have been observed. The rotational constants are A = 3053.0903(2) MHz, B = 1039.9570(2) MHz, and C = 895.5788(1) MHz. The ¹⁴N nuclear quadrupole hyperfine components of the rotational transitions have been resolved, the ¹⁴N nuclear quadrupole coupling constants are χ_aa = 1.746(1) MHz, and χ_bb − χ_cc = −6.426(2) MHz. The complex is T-shaped, with the argon atom located 3.73 Å from the center of mass of the trifluoroacetonitrile molecule.     

Improved ground state rotational parameters of deuterium fluoride, DF

The rotational spectrum of DF in the 1.3-3.3 THz frequency region has been observed by means of a tunable far-infrared spectrometer. The J + 1 ← J, with J = 1-4, rotational transitions of DF have been recorded with an accuracy of the order of 50-200 kHz. These measurements, in conjunction with the hyperfine components of the J = 1 ← 0 transition recently observed [Cazzoli and Puzzarini, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 231 (2005) 124-130] and the rotational transitions up to J = 47 [R.S. Ram, Z. Morbi, B. Guo, K.-Q. Zhang, P.F. Bernath, J. Vander Auwera, J.W.C. Johns, S.P. Davies, Astrophys. J. Suppl. Series 103 (1996) 247-254] consented to improve the ground state rotational parameters of DF.     

Laser spectroscopy of holmium monosulphide: Electronic, vibrational and rotational structure of the A[14.79]8.5-X8.5, A[14.79]8.5-W[0.25]7.5 and A[14.79]8.5-V[0.98]7.5 transitions

Laser induced fluorescence spectra of HoS have been obtained using a Broida oven and a ring dye laser. Dispersed fluorescence spectra showed transitions from a common upper state, A[14.79]8.5 to the v = 0 and 1 vibrational levels of three low lying states, labelled X8.5, W[0.25]7.5 and V[0.98]7.5 (the states are labelled [10⁻³T₀]Ω according to their energy and Ω assignment). High resolution excitation spectra were obtained for all six transitions and a rotational analysis yielded the following principal constants, in cm⁻¹, for the X, W and V states, respectively: T₀ = 0, 251.8713(31), 980.6969(37); B_e = 0.121903(42), 0.121729(37), 0.122561(34); ΔG_1/2 = 463.8811(46), 462.9411(45), 461.2084(127). For the A state, T₀ = 14794.6987(28) cm⁻¹ and B₀ = 0.112596(29) cm⁻¹. The three low lying states are shown to arise from the Ho²⁺[4f¹⁰(⁵I₈)6s]S²⁻ configuration in accord with Ligand Field Theory predictions. The atomic origin of each of the three low lying electronic states was determined from the observed resolved hyperfine structure.     

Submillimeter-wave spectroscopy of HN2 and DN2 in the excited vibrational states

The pure rotational transitions of HN₂⁺ and DN₂⁺ in the first excited vibrational states for all the fundamental vibrational modes have been observed in the range of 300-750 GHz. The molecular constants determined are much more accurate compared with those obtained from the infrared spectroscopy. The equilibrium rotational constants, B_e = 46832.45 (71) MHz for HN₂⁺ and B_e = 38708.38 (58) MHz for DN₂⁺, have been determined by correcting for the higher-order vibration-rotation interaction effects, γ_ij, obtained by an infrared investigation. The equilibrium bond lengths are derived from these equilibrium rotational constants: r_e(H-N) = 1.03460 (14) Å and r_e (N-N) = 1.092698 (26) Å.     

The rotational spectra of the υ8 = υ9 = 1 and υ6 = υ7 = 1 interacting vibrational states of nitric acid (HNO3)

The analysis of the rotational spectrum of HNO₃ has been extended to include the υ₈ = υ₉ = 1 state at 1205.7 cm⁻¹ and the υ₆ = υ₇ = 1 state at 1223.4 cm⁻¹. Based on 78-519 GHz data, the assignments in the 8¹9¹ vibrational state have been significantly expanded from the previously reported microwave measurements [T.M. Goyette, F.C. De Lucia, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 139 (1990) 241-243]. A new microwave analysis is also reported for the 6¹7¹ vibrational state. A simultaneous analysis takes into account the localized ΔK_a = ±2 Fermi resonances between the vibrational states, describes the torsional splitting of 3.3 and 1.4 MHz for the 8¹9¹ and 6¹7¹ states respectively, and fits to experimental accuracy over 1500 rotational transition frequencies that extend up to J = 59. Infrared energy levels [A. Perrin, J.-M. Flaud, F. Keller, A. Goldman, R. D. Blatherwick, F. J. Murcray, C. P. Rinsland, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 194 (1999) 113-123] were also included in the analysis and fit to experimental accuracy. Measurement of strongly perturbed transitions in each vibrational state provide a determination of the band origin difference of 17.733184(17) cm⁻¹. The rotational constants agree well with those predicted by vibrational-rotational constants of the fundamental modes. Furthermore, the analysis will provide a very accurate simulation of the infrared spectrum of HNO₃ in the 8.3 μm region.     

Rotational spectra of gauche perfluoro-n-butane, C4F10; perfluoro-iso-butane, (CF3)3CF; and tris(trifluoromethyl)methane, (CF3)3CH

The microwave spectra of the gauche conformer of perfluoro-n-butane, n-C₄F₁₀, of perfluoro-iso-butane, (CF₃)₃CF, and of tris(trifluoromethyl)methane, (CF₃)₃CH, have been observed and assigned. The rotational and centrifugal distortion constants for gauche n-C₄F₁₀ are: A = 1058.11750(7) MHz, B = 617.6832(1) MHz, C = 552.18794(1) MHz, Δ_J = 0.0257(5) kHz, δ_J = 0.0052(3) kHz. A C-C-C-C dihedral angle, ω, of ∼55° has been determined. These values agree well with those obtained from a coupled cluster (CCSD/cc-PVTZ) calculation. The rotational and centrifugal distortion constants for iso-C₄F₁₀ and iso-C₄HF₉ are: B_o = 816.4519(4) MHz, D_J = 0.023(2) kHz, and B_o = 903.6985(25) MHz, D_J = 0.043(4) kHz, respectively. The dipole moment of iso-C₄F₁₀ and iso-C₄HF₉ have been measured and found to be 0.0338(8) and 1.69(9) D, respectively.     

Infrared emission studies of the AΣ-XΠ electronic transition of the SiC radical

The gas phase infrared emission spectrum of the A³Σ⁻-X³Π electronic transition of SiC has been observed using a high resolution Fourier transform spectrometer. Three bands ν′ − ν″ = 0-1, 0-0, and 1-0 have been observed in the 2770, 3723, and 4578 cm⁻¹ regions, where the 0-1 and 0-0 bands were observed for the first time. The SiC radical was generated by a dc discharge in a flowing mixture of hexamethyl disilane [(CH₃)₆Si₂] and He. A total of 1074 rotational transitions assigned to the 0-1, 0-0, and 1-0 bands have been combined in a simultaneous analysis with previously reported pure rotational data to determine the molecular constants for SiC in the two electronic states. The principal equilibrium molecular constants for the A³Σ⁻ state are: B_e = 0.6181195(18) cm⁻¹, α_e = 0.0051921(20) cm⁻¹, r_e = 1.8020884(26) Å, and T_e = 3773.31(17) cm⁻¹, with one standard deviation given in parentheses. The effect of a perturbation was recognized between the ν = 4 level of X³Π and the ν = 0 level of A³Σ, and the analysis was carried out to determine the interaction parameter between the two states.     

Microwave spectrum and structure of methyl phosphonic difluoride

The rotational spectrum of methyl phosphonic difluoride has been reinvestigated using a pulsed-molecular-beam Fabry-Perot cavity microwave spectrometer. The enhanced resolution of the Fourier transform microwave (FTMW) spectrometer (compared to the original work done in a conventional Stark spectrometer) has allowed the measurement of small A-E splittings of many of the rotational transitions caused by the internal rotation of the methyl top. The barrier to internal rotation, V₃ = 676 (25) cm⁻¹, has been determined experimentally from the A-E splittings of the rotational transitions in the ground vibrational state. This barrier height is substantially lower than the previously determined value for the barrier, which was 1252 (14) cm⁻¹. High-level ab initio calculations at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level predict a barrier to internal rotation of 638 cm⁻¹, in agreement with the experimentally determined value found here. The high sensitivity of the FTMW spectrometer has also permitted the measurement of the ¹³C and ¹⁸O isotopomers in natural abundance. The addition of these two isotopomers has allowed an improved structural determination.     

The ground state torsion-rotation spectrum of propargyl alcohol (HCCCH2OH)

The rotation-torsion spectrum of the asymmetric frame-asymmetric top internal rotor propargyl alcohol (HCCCH₂OH) has been extended into the millimeter and submillimeter wave spectral regions. Over 2000 ground torsional state transitions have been measured and analyzed up to rotational quantum numbers J = 80 and K_a = 33 through a frequency of 633 GHz. The newly measured transitions were added to approximately 200 previously reported and now unambiguously assigned microwave transitions to comprise a data set of 2390 transitions which has been fit to 59 kHz using a reduced axis method (RAM) Hamiltonian. The ground state has been confirmed to consist of a symmetric and an antisymmetric gauche conformer with no spectroscopic evidence of stable trans conformer. A complete set of rotation and distortion constants through 6th order and a number of the 8th and one 10th order constants for the normal species are presented along with those determined from a re-analysis of the existing OD species data. The a and b symmetry Coriolis interaction constants and the gauche+ gauche− tunnelling frequency of 652389.4 MHz has been determined for the OH species while the b symmetry Coriolis interaction and the 213 480 MHz tunnelling frequency were determined for the OD species.     

Determination of the molecular dipole moment of bromofluoromethane: Microwave Stark spectra and ab initio calculations

The electric dipole moment of bromofluoromethane, CH₂⁷⁹BrF, has been determined with a good accuracy by observing the second order ΔM_J = 0 Stark spectrum of the J = 3_2,1 ← 3_1,2, J = 5_2,3 ← 5_1,4 and J = 5_2,4 ← 5_1,5 rotational transitions. In addition, the equilibrium geometry and dipole moment have been evaluated using highly accurate ab initio calculations. By comparing the experimental [μ_a = 0.3466(11) D and μ_b = 1.704(26) D] and theoretical [μ_a = −0.339 D and μ_b = −1.701 D] dipole moment components, a very good agreement has been found.     

The pure rotational spectrum of TiS (XΔr) at submillimeter wavelengths

The pure rotational spectrum of TiS in its X³Δ_r ground state has been measured using millimeter-wave direct-absorption techniques in the frequency range of 313-425 GHz. This free radical was created by the reaction of titanium vapor, produced in a high-temperature Broida-type oven, with H₂S. Eight to ten rotational transitions were recorded for the main titanium isotopologue, ⁴⁸TiS, in the v = 0 and v = 1 levels, as well as for the v = 0 state of ⁴⁶TiS, observed in natural abundance (⁴⁸Ti:⁴⁶Ti = 74:8). All three Ω components were observed in almost every recorded transition, with no evidence for lambda-doubling. The data were fit with a Hund’s case(a) Hamiltonian, and rotational, spin-orbit, and spin-spin constants were determined, as well as equilibrium parameters for ⁴⁸TiS. Relatively few fine structure parameters were needed for the analysis of TiS (A, A_D, and λ), unlike other 3d metal species. The rotational pattern of the three fine structure components suggests the presence of a nearby excited ¹Δ state, lying ∼3000 cm⁻¹ higher in energy. From the equilibrium parameters, the dissociation energy for TiS was estimated to be ∼5.1 eV, in reasonable agreement with past thermochemical data.     

Microwave spectra, molecular structure and theoretical calculation of two isotopic species of acetyl isocyanate CD3C(O)NCO and CH3C(O)NCO

The microwave spectra of two isotopic species of acetyl isocyanate, ¹³CH₃C(O)NCO and CD₃C(O)NCO, were observed in order to determine the r_o structure and confirmation of the molecular conformation. These isotopic species were prepared by reacting acetyl-2-¹³C-chloride or acetyl-d₃ chloride with sliver cyanate. The rotational spectra of A-level in 26.5-60.0 GHz region have been observed by Stark-modulated microwave spectrometer. Some absorption lines in E-level were observed in ¹³CH₃C(O)NCO. The rotational constants in the ground vibrational state were determined to be A = 10654.8(18), B = 2177.32(2), and C = 1827.65(2) MHz for ¹³CH₃C(O)NCO, and A = 9713.90(6), B = 2042.04(2), and C = 1722.78(2) MHz for CD₃C(O)NCO, respectively. The values of ΔI (= I_c − I_a − I_b) of the ¹³C species (−3.024(13) uŲ) and the d₃ species (−6.163(3) uŲ) indicate that the molecule has C_s symmetry. The r_s coordinates of the carbon atom in the methyl group were determined to be |a| = 2.183(3), |b| = 0.706(9), and |c| = 0.080(87) Å. The determined coordinates were in agreement with those calculated for the cis form, in which the carbonyl group is eclipsed by the NCO group. The six structural parameters of the cis form were adjusted by fitting to the observed rotational constants. The observed rotational constants of the cis form were in better agreement with those calculated using the QCISD/6-31G (d, p) level rather than those calculated using the MP2/6-31G (d, p) level. The barrier of internal rotation of the methyl group was determined as 4.283(16) kJ mol⁻¹ in ¹³CH₃C(O)NCO. The structural tendencies and the relationship between ∠RNC and ¹⁴N quadrupole coupling constants (χ_cc) were discussed.     

The torsion-rotation spectrum of perchloric acid, HClO4

The rotational spectrum of HClO₄ has been observed in selected regions between 51.7 and 870 GHz. The molecule is a near spherical rotor with a moderately low barrier to internal rotation. The spectrum is characterized by strong μ_a, R-branch groupings with B + C = 5276.78 MHz. Although there are no E torsional states, the R-branches show three distinct groups of lines. There is a relatively tight cluster of symmetric rotor like transitions with K = 3n, a rather regular progression of transitions with K = 3n + 2 to high frequency and a less regular group of transitions with K = 3n + 1 to low frequency. Because the molecule is nearly spherical, the energy as a function of K is dominated by the K dependent solutions of the Mathieu equation. This unusual energy level distribution gives rise to numerous anomalous splittings and shifts due to avoided crossings within the K stacks as well as widely scattered μ_b transitions. The fitting procedure will be described and the effective parameters will be presented. Rotational transitions of excited torsional states at and above the top of the barrier and the v_t = 2-0 far infrared spectrum have been assigned. The dipole moment and the quadrupole coupling constants have been determined. Structural implications will be discussed.     

Analysis of the rotational spectrum of pyruvonitrile up to 324 GHz

The room-temperature rotational spectrum of pyruvonitrile (acetyl cyanide, CH₃COCN) was measured up to 324 GHz, and additional measurements were also made in supersonic expansion in the region 7-19 GHz. The available data sets for the A and E torsional sublevels were extended to over 1200 transitions, J = 65 and K_a = 38 for the ground vibrational state, and to comparable numbers of transitions for first excited states of the methyl torsional mode ν₁₈, and the in-plane CCN bending mode ν₁₂. The collected experimental measurements were fitted with several different computer programs for dealing with the effects of methyl torsional motion on the rotational spectrum and many spectroscopic constants have been determined. The experimental results are discussed in detail and are augmented by ab initio computations. Stark effect measurements in supersonic expansion were used to precisely determine the electric dipole moment of pyruvonitrile, ∣μ_a∣ = 2.462(2) D, ∣μ_b∣ = 2.442(2) D, μ_tot = 3.468(2) D. Pyruvonitrile, as an 8-atom molecule with a sizable dipole moment, is a possible candidate for astrophysical detection and the present work provides the laboratory data necessary for that purpose.     

Spectroscopy of NdO: New results

¹⁴²NdO molecules have been produced by heating ¹⁴²Nd₂O₃ to about 2100 K in a vacuum furnace in the presence of argon gas. A ring dye laser operating with DCM dye has been used to excite ¹⁴²NdO transitions in the 636-666 nm spectral region, and induced fluorescence has been spectroscopically analysed at high resolution with a Fourier transform spectrometer. Contributions from thermal emission have been simultaneously observed. Two new low-lying electronic states have been detected, at energies of about 2708 and 4139 cm⁻¹, designated as [2.7], most probably observed at ν = 1, and [4.1], likely to be (2)6 (observed at ν = 0). The ν = 1 level of the (1)6 state, already known at ν = 0, has been observed for the first time. Most levels pumped by the laser, between 14 000 and 17 400 cm⁻¹, could be identified from earlier work. In addition, by studying in more detail recently obtained fluorescence spectra [J. Mol. Spectrosc. 225 (2004) 132] spectroscopic constants have been improved for a number of states. Finally, from thermal emission spectra, rotational analyses of the 0-0 bands of two new systems, [16.4] − (2)5 and [14.1] − X4, and reanalyses at higher resolution of the 0-0 bands of the systems V, VII, VIII, and X have been carried out. A consistent set of spectroscopic constants of the levels of ¹⁴²NdO characterized as yet is presented.     

A Fabry-Perót type resonator tunable below 2 GHz for use in time domain rotational spectroscopy: Application to the measurement of the radio frequency spectra of bromobenzene and iodobenzene

Two aluminum mirrors with radii of 203.2 mm and radii of curvature also of 203.2 mm have been used to construct a tunable Fabry-Perót type resonator with Q values of ∼200 at frequencies as low as 500 MHz. The resonator has been incorporated into a pulsed nozzle, Fourier transform, Balle-Flygare spectrometer typically used for recording pure rotational spectra in the microwave region. The resonator design allows the instrument to access the radio frequency region (?3 GHz) of the electromagnetic spectrum. The spectrometer is of use in (i) recording low J transitions of large asymmetric molecules where the spectra are often greatly simplified compared to higher frequency regions; (ii) measuring hyperfine constants for heavy molecules with higher accuracy than may be obtained at higher frequencies where hyperfine structure may not be resolvable; and (iii) provides further synchronicity between laboratory based measurements and radio astronomy in the 30 cm region. The resonators use is illustrated by recording the rotational spectra of bromobenzene and iodobenzene. The lowest ΔJ = +1 transition for iodobenzene has been observed at 1130.5292(10) MHz.     

Analysis of the first triad of interacting states (0 2 0), (1 0 0), and (0 0 1) of D2O from hot emission spectra

The far-infrared and middle-infrared emission spectra of deuterated water vapour were measured at temperatures 1370, 1520, and 1940 K in the ranges 320-860 and 1750-3400 cm⁻¹. The measurements were performed in an alumina cell with an effective length of hot gas of about 50 cm. More than 3550 new measured lines for the D₂¹⁶O molecule corresponding to transitions from highly excited rotational levels of the (0 2 0), (1 0 0), and (0 0 1) vibrational states are reported. These new lines correspond to rotational states with higher values of the rotational quantum numbers compared to previously published determinations: J_max = 29 and K_a(max) = 22 for the (0 2 0) state, J_max = 29 and K_a(max) = 25 for the (1 0 0) state, and J_max = 30 and K_a(max) = 23 for the (0 0 1) state. The extended set of 1987 experimental rotational energy levels for the (0 2 0), (1 0 0), and (0 0 1) vibration states including all previously available data has been determined. For the data reduction we used the generating function model. The root mean square (RMS) deviation between observed and calculated values is 0.004 cm⁻¹ for 1952 rovibrational levels of all three vibration states. A comparison of the observed energy levels with the best available values from the literature and with the global predictions from molecular electronic potential energy surfaces of water isotopic species [H. Partridge, D.W. Schwenke, J. Chem. Phys. 106 (1997) 4618] is discussed. The latter confirms a good consistency of mass-dependent DBOC corrections in the PS potential function with new experimental rovibrational data.     

Near infrared emission spectra of CoH and CoD

New high resolution emission spectra of CoH and CoD molecules have been recorded in the 640 nm to 3.5 μm region using a Fourier transform spectrometer. The bands were excited in a carbon tube furnace by the reaction of cobalt metal vapor and a mixture of H₂ or D₂ with He at a temperature of about 2600 °C. Eight bands were observed for the A′³Φ₄-X³Φ₄ electronic transition of CoD, and five bands for the corresponding transition of CoH. The (0, 0) bands of the A′³Φ₃-X³Φ₃ system were also recorded for both isotopologues, although one of the parity components in the X³Φ₃ sub-state of CoH was found to be perturbed. The A′³Φ₃-X³Φ₄ transition was also observed in our spectrum of CoH. In addition, a new [13.3]4 electronic state was found by observing [13.3]4-X³Φ₃ and [13.3]4-X³Φ₄ transitions in the spectrum of CoD. Analysis of the transitions with ΔΩ = 0, ± 1 provided more accurate values of spin-orbit splittings between Ω = 4 and Ω = 3 components. The ground-state data for both molecules were fitted both to band-constant and Dunham-expansion expressions, and a combined-isotopologue analysis of the X³Φ₄ spin component was carried out using the data for CoH and CoD. The upper states were represented by term values in these analyses because of perturbations, but estimated band constants for them were obtained in separate fits in which ground-state constants were held fixed.     

The Lamb-dip spectrum of phosphine: The nuclear hyperfine structure due to hydrogen and phosphorus

For the first time, the hyperfine structure of the rotational J = 1 ← 0 (K = 0) and J = 2 ← 1 (K = 0, 1) transitions of phosphine has been resolved by using microwave spectroscopy. To this purpose, the Lamb-dip technique has been employed. In addition, the J = 3 ← 2 (K = 0, 1, 2) transition has been recorded at Doppler resolution. The present investigation allowed us to provide accurate values for most of the hyperfine constants as well as ground state rotational parameters.     

Microwave spectrum, molecular structure, and theoretical calculation of cyclohexanone oxime (chair form)

The microwave spectra of cyclohexanone oxime and d₁ (=NOD) and d₄(2,2,6,6-d₄) derivatives were observed in the frequency range from 8 to 40 GHz in the ground and excited vibrational states. The rotational constants were determined to be A = 3799.844(48), B = 1513.7912(23), and C = 1189.6118(29) MHz for normal species, A = 3791.835(88), B = 1461.0324(47), and C = 1157.5653(53) MHz for d₁ species, and A = 3364.141(49), B = 1487.9551(34), and C = 1154.0965(44) MHz for d₄ species in the ground vibrational state. The planar moments, P_bb (P_bb = (I_c + I_a − I_b)/2) of normal, d₁, and d₄ species were determined to be 111.9885(26), 111.9817(46), and 124.2394(49) uŲ, respectively. The almost same values of P_bb of normal and d₁ species suggest that the hydroxyl hydrogen atom is very close to the a-c plane. From the r_s coordinates of the hydroxyl hydrogen atom, the OH bond was found to be at the trans position with respect to the CN double bond. The conformation of cyclohexanone oxime was determined to be chair form by comparing the observed and calculated rotational constants, ΔI, and planar moments, and taking account of the calculated the relative energy difference, ΔE. The structural parameters, the three bond lengths, three bond angles, and three dihedral angles, were adjusted to the nine rotational constants observed. The bond angle of ∠C₂C₁N is much wider than that of ∠C₆C₁N by about 10°. The dihedral angles of ∠C₁C₂C₃C₄, ∠C₂C₃C₄C₅, and ∠C₃C₄C₅C₆ were determined to be 53.3(5), −57.2(5), and 57.2(5)°. Two vibrational modes were assigned to the ring-bending and ring-twisting ones, which are almost harmonic up to v = 3.