Rotational spectrum and structure of asymmetric dinitrogen trioxide, N2O3

The rotational spectra of the ground vibrational state and the ν₉ = 1 torsional state have been reinvestigated and accurate spectroscopic constants have been determined. The torsional frequency, ν₉ = 70(15) cm⁻¹, has been determined by relative intensity measurements. The assignment of the infrared spectrum has been slightly revised and an accurate harmonic force field has been calculated. The equilibrium structure has been determined using different, complementary methods: experimental, semi-experimental and ab initio, leading to r(NN) = 1.870(2) Å, in particular.     

Microwave and sub-mmwave study of CH3SiH3 including the perturbation-allowed torsion-vibration difference band (ν12=0,ν6=3)↔(ν12=1,ν6=0)

The vibration-torsion-rotation Hamiltonian in CH₃SiH₃ has been investigated using Fourier transform microwave methods and tunable sideband far-infrared spectroscopy. Four different studies have been carried out. First, the Q-branch of the torsion-vibration difference band (ν₁₂=0,ν₆=3)↔(ν₁₂=1,ν₆=0) has been measured between 17.8 and 26.6 GHz. When three quanta of the torsional mode ν₆ are excited in the ground vibrational state (gs) for (σ=−1) torsional sublevels with K=6, these transitions become allowed through resonant Coriolis-like coupling to the lowest lying degenerate mode ν₁₂ with no quanta of ν₆ excited. Second, direct l-doubling transitions in the state (v₁₂=1, v₆=0) have been observed between 8.3 and 17.5 GHz for both torsional sublevels σ=0 and σ=±1. In the limit that the intervibrational interactions vanish, the σ-splitting between lines of the same J would be difficult to resolve, but frequency differences of more than 1 GHz due to these interactions have been determined. Third, the (J=1←0) spectrum just below 22 GHz has been re-measured with higher resolution for 0?v₆?4 in the gs and for (v₆=0) in ν₁₂. Finally, the (J=45←44) spectrum near 1 THz has been obtained for 0?v₆?2 in the gs. A global data set of 3423 frequencies has been formed by merging the present 123 measurements with the data set used recently in the simultaneous analysis of the ν₁₂ and ν₅ bands by Schroderus et al. [J. Chem Phys. 115 (2001) 1392]. By refining the (gs/ν₁₂/ν₅) Hamiltonian developed in this earlier work in which the torsional motion is grouped with the vibrational degrees of freedom, a good fit to within experimental error has been obtained by varying 45 parameters. A fit of comparable quality has also been obtained using a similar analysis in which the torsional motion is grouped with the rotational degrees of freedom. The values of the molecular constants determined in the two models are compared.     

High-resolution infrared and subterahertz spectroscopy of the v2 = 1, v5 = 1, and v3 = 2 levels of CH3Cl

High-resolution Fourier-transform infrared spectra between 1235 and 1680 cm⁻¹ and subterahertz spectra between 250 and 630 GHz of monoisotopic ¹³CH₃³⁵Cl have been recorded and analyzed simultaneously, with all Coriolis, α-resonance, and l-type interactions in the polyad of the v₂ = 1, v₅ = 1, and v₃ = 2 levels taken into account. Several α-resonances (Δk = ±2, Δl = ?1) generating perturbation-allowed transitions have been assigned in the rovibrational spectra. These resonances enabled us to determine accurately and independently the ground state rotational and centrifugal distortion parameters A₀ = 5.205 746 9 (55) cm⁻¹ and . Even , which is, however, correlated to higher-order α-resonance terms, was determined. With 51 upper state parameters varied, about 5800 rovibrational wavenumbers and more than 550 rotational frequencies pertaining to the excited vibrational states were fitted within their experimental accuracy.     

The millimeter-wave rotational spectrum of CF3CCD in the excited vibrational state v10=2

The millimetre-wave rotational spectra of the excited vibrational state v₁₀=2 of the symmetric top molecule, CF₃CCD, have been recorded for J^′′=12 up to J^′′=25. The l=±2 and l=0 series have been assigned and the spectra analysed to give rotational parameters including x_ll=7716.975 MHz. The main interactions between states of different l are the r_t(2,−1)=0.158 MHz and q_t⁺(2,2)=3.308 MHz. Two type of l-resonance are identified, one of which is due to an avoided crossing between the l=0 and l=+2 series. The spectra are qualitatively similar to the corresponding ones of CF₃CCH.     

The rotational spectrum of BiO radical in its X1Π1/2 and X2Π3/2 states

Rotational spectra have been observed for BiO produced in a DC discharge through a low pressure mixture of O₂, Ar, and Bi vapor. Because of the highly non-thermal distribution of states, it has been possible to observe spectra arising from the X₁²Π_1/2 level up to v = 9 and for the X₂²Π_3/2 level up to v = 5 near 10 538 cm⁻¹. Precise rotational and hyperfine parameters have been determined for the observed states. By using available near infrared (NIR) data in a merged fit, the 0-0 and 1-1 fine structure intervals have been more precisely determined. Although the quality of the fit is very good, the interpretation of the hyperfine constants is complicated by relativistic effects and the interaction of the X₂ state with A₁⁴Π_3/2 state. The magnetic and quadrupole coupling constants will be compared with those of the Bi atom and related molecules.     

Rotational spectrum of the v11 = 1 and v14 = 1 vibrational states of CH3CCCCH

The pure rotational spectra of the v₁₁ = 1 and v₁₄ = 1 vibrational states of the main isotopic species of methyldiacetylene have been recorded and assigned in the 80-400 GHz frequency range, spanning the quantum numbers 19 ? J ? 95 and 0 ? K ? 15. The present study allows us to provide accurate rotational, centrifugal distortion and vibration-rotation interaction constants. The experimental investigation has been strongly supported by quantum-chemical computations at the second-order Møller-Plesset theory (MP2) in conjunction with a triple-zeta quality basis set.     

Interactions between vibrational polyads of propyne, H3CCCH: Rotational and rovibrational spectroscopy of the levels around 1000 cm

The study of vibration resonance physics in propyne is based on experimental measurements of about 600 new rotational transitions between 495-590 and 700-760 GHz in excited vibrational levels v₅ = 1, v₈ = 1, v₁₀ = 3 and v₉ = v₁₀ = 1 with vibrational energies around 1000 cm⁻¹. The limits to the assignments and analysis were imposed by as yet unresolved anharmonic resonances with the states of the next higher polyad of levels lying above 1200 cm⁻¹, which affect the rotational states involved in transitions that would be measurable with non-vanishing intensities. Vibration-rotation spectra pertaining to the levels in question were studied in the regions 880-1150 cm⁻¹ (the ν₅ and ν₈ fundamental bands), 550-750 cm⁻¹ (the v₉ = v₁₀ = 1 ← v₁₀ = 1 hot bands) and 250-400 cm⁻¹ (the v₁₀ = 3 ← v₁₀ = 2 “superhot” bands). A simultaneous least-squares fit of both types of data provides their reliable but in the case of accurate rotational data not always fully quantitative reproduction.     

The millimeter-wave spectrum of perdeuterated methanol, CD3OD

In order to provide accurate rest frequencies for astronomical searches, the spectrum of perdeuterated methanol, CD₃OD, has been measured in the frequency range 62-233 GHz. A total of 379 lines was measured from rotational states up to J=20 and K=10 within the ground and first excited torsional states (v_t=0 and 1). Using a one-dimensional torsion-rotation Hamiltonian, the lines were fitted to measurement accuracy (<30 kHz).     

The analysis of combination and overtone states of BF3 from 1650 to 4600 cm

High-resolution (0.0015-0.0035 cm⁻¹) infrared spectra of isotopically enriched ¹¹BF₃ have been examined in detail. The analysis of the combination and overtone states within the region of study, from 1650 to 4600 cm⁻¹, led to the assignment of over 25,000 transitions. The major perturbations were due to the Fermi resonances between states possessing one quantum of v₃ and three quanta of v₄. With corrections through the quadratic rotational terms, the equilibrium B_e and C_e values have been determined; 0.3462679(7) cm⁻¹ and 0.1731151(6) cm⁻¹, respectively. An improved set of equilibrium rotational constants for ¹⁰BF₃, consistent with this analysis of ¹¹BF₃ are also given. The averaged equilibrium values for both isotopomers lead to a B-F bond distance of r_e = 130.704 ± 0.005 pm. All of the quadratic anharmonic constants, with the exception of x³³ were independently determined from experiment. For the first time for BF₃, a normal force field analysis was performed that utilized the experimentally determined, fundamental harmonic vibrational frequencies.     

Millimeter and submillimeter-wave spectroscopy of silicon difluoride

The rotational spectra of ²⁸SiF₂, ²⁹SiF₂, and ³⁰SiF₂ in their ground vibrational states, as well as those of ²⁸SiF₂ in the v₁ = 1, v₂ = 1, v₃ = 1, and v₂ = 2 excited states have been studied in selected frequency regions between 80 and 700 GHz. Transitions involving a large range of quantum numbers have been observed, so that precise rotational and quartic centrifugal distortion constants could be determined for each of the spectra investigated. In addition, the complete set of sextic distortion constants was also obtained for the most abundant isotopomer in its ground vibrational state. The quadratic and cubic force constants of silicon difluoride have been refined by a least-squares procedure using a larger and more precise set of data.     

Spectroscopic constants of the ground and lower vibrational states of CH2BrF: A combined high resolution infrared and microwave study

The enriched ⁸¹Br isotopic species of bromofluoromethane has been investigated in the infrared and microwave regions. The rovibrational spectrum of the ν₅ fundamental has been studied by high resolution FTIR spectroscopy, while the rotational spectra of the ground and v₆ = 1 states have been observed by means of microwave spectroscopy. More than 2700 transitions have been assigned in the ν₅ band and the analysis of the rovibrational structure reveals a first-order c-type Coriolis resonance with the v₆ = 2 state. The present study improves the ground state constants available in the literature and enables the determination of further centrifugal distortion parameters together with the full bromine quadrupole coupling tensor. A set of spectroscopic parameters up to the sextic distortion terms for the vibrational excited states has been accurately evaluated for the first time.     

The forbidden rotational Q branch of CH3SiF3: A study in internal rotation

The pure rotational spectrum driven by the small dipole moment produced perpendicular to the symmetry axis by centrifugal distortion has been investigated for CH₃SiF₃ in the ground vibrational state using a Fourier transform waveguide spectrometer. Between 10.9 and 17.0 GHz, four (k + 3 ← k) series in the Q branch have been measured in the lowest torsional state v₆ = 0 for k = 4, 5, 6, and 7 with 54 ? J ? 65. In each transition, the quantum number σ = 0, +1, −1 labelling the different torsional sub-levels is conserved. For given (J,k), splittings from ∼10 to ∼45 MHz have been observed between lines with different values of σ. The global data set includes the anticrossing molecular beam energy differences of [W.L. Meerts, I. Ozier, Chem. Phys. 71 (1982) 401-415] as well as the mm-wave R branch frequencies and (A₁ − A₂) splittings of [P. Dréan, J.-M. Colmont, J. Demaison, L. Dore, C. Degli Esposti, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 176 (1996) 23-27]). A good fit was obtained by varying 15 molecular parameters characterizing the torsion-rotation Hamiltonian H_TR for the vibrational ground state. Because of the strong correlation between two of the quartic torsion-distortion parameters (F_0,3K and D_0,Km) and a redundancy connecting the centrifugal distortion constants, four models were obtained yielding comparable fits. In each case, effective values were determined for the A-rotational constant and the height of the potential hindering the internal rotation. A high precision determination of the structural parameter ρ was made that is the same in all four models. For the off-diagonal quartic centrifugal distortion constant ε₀ and the sextic constants H_0,J, H_0,JK, H_0,KJ, and h_0,3, the differences in the values obtained in the two different reductions used have been explained in terms of the redundancy connecting these parameters. For σ = 0, +1, −1, the energy level pattern for (|k| = 3) is discussed for the case where the pure torsional energy splitting and the matrix elements off-diagonal in k are of comparable magnitude. A method is described of using an R branch study of the resulting σ-splittings for (|k| = 3) to probe the zeroth-order torsional Hamiltonian.     

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.     

Rotational analysis of the ν1, 2ν1 and 5ν1 stretching bands of HGeD3

The high-resolution spectrum of the ν₁=5 stretching overtone of gaseous H⁷⁰GeD₃ has been recorded by an intracavity laser absorption spectrometer based on a vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL). The rotational structure of the excited state at 9874.605 cm⁻¹ was found weakly perturbed by unidentified interaction with dark states. Finally, of the 313 lines rotationally assigned, 239 lines were found unperturbed and could be reproduced with a root-mean-square (rms) deviation of 0.012 cm⁻¹. The retrieved set of rotational parameters agrees with the values extrapolated from the previously studied ν₁=6-8 stretching overtones. High-resolution FTIR spectra of the ν₁ and 2ν₁ bands have also been recorded and analyzed. The ν₁=1 level, (ν_eff=2114.15 cm⁻¹) is in anharmonic interaction with a further A₁ symmetry level (ν_eff=2102.39 cm⁻¹). The potential coupling term could be estimated (W_anh=5.6(3) cm⁻¹) and the most probable assignment of the perturber is ν₂+ν₃. Moreover both levels are rotationally perturbed in an irregular fashion. Only a coarse analysis up to J=6 could be performed. The 2ν₁ band reveals irregular perturbations of medium intensity by unknown dark states for almost all K values. Nevertheless the obtained leading rovibrational parameters of the 2ν₁ band for J?6 are in agreement with those of the ν₁=5-8 states.     

Multi-isotopologue analyses of new vibration-rotation and pure rotation spectra of ZnH and CdH

High resolution infrared emission spectra of ZnH, ZnD, CdH, and CdD have been recorded with a Fourier transform spectrometer. The v = 1 → 0 and v = 2 → 1 bands of ZnH, ZnD, CdH, and CdD, as well as the v = 3 → 2 band of ZnD were observed for the X²Σ⁺ ground electronic state. In addition, new rotational spectra have been recorded for CdH and CdD using a tunable far-infrared spectrometer, and pure rotational transitions in the v = 1 level of the ground state were measured. The new data were combined with the previous data from diode laser infrared spectra and pure rotation spectra of ZnH/ZnD and CdH/CdD available in the literature. The data from all isotopologues were fitted together using a Dunham-type energy level expression for ²Σ⁺ states, and Born-Oppenheimer breakdown correction parameters were obtained. The equilibrium rotational constants (B_e) of ⁶⁴ZnH, ⁶⁴ZnD, ¹¹⁴CdH, and ¹¹⁴CdD were determined to be 6.691332(17), 3.402156(7), 5.447074(18), and 2.750761(6) cm⁻¹, respectively, and the associated equilibrium internuclear distances (r_e) are 1.593478(2), 1.593001(2), 1.760098(3), and 1.759695(2) Å, respectively. Simple reduced mass scaling for the spin-rotation interaction constants of ZnH and CdH fully accounted for their isotopologue dependence, and no Born-Oppenheimer breakdown correction was required for these parameters.     

New analysis of the ν5 and 2ν9 bands of HNO3 by infrared and millimeter wave techniques: line positions and intensities

Nitric acid (HNO₃) plays an important role in the Earth’s atmosphere as a reservoir molecule of NO_x species. It has a strong infrared signature at 11 μm which is one of the most commonly used for the infrared retrieval of this species in the atmosphere since this spectral region coincides with an atmospheric window. It is therefore essential to have high quality spectral parameters in this spectral region. The main goal of this work is then to generate as reliable as possible line positions and intensities for the ν₅ and 2ν₉ cold bands centered at 879.1075 and 896.4467 cm⁻¹, respectively. In particular the existing line parameters need improvement in the wings of the 11 μm window in order to retrieve more accurately the CFC-11 (CCl₃F) and CFC-12 (CCl₂F₂) atmospheric species at ∼850 and ∼920 cm⁻¹, respectively. This work is also motivated by theoretical considerations. Very strong resonances couple indeed the 5¹ and 9² rotational levels. In addition the ν₉ mode (OH torsion) is a “large amplitude” motion, and torsional splittings affect both the v₉=2 and the v₅=1 rotational transitions. In the present study, these effects are accounted for simultaneously both for the line position and line intensity calculations. To calculate the line positions the Hamiltonian matrix accounts for the very strong Fermi and the weaker Coriolis interactions linking the 5¹⇔9² rotational levels, and the torsional effects are accounted for within the frame of the IAM (Internal Axis Method) approach. In addition, the v-diagonal blocks involve non-orthorhombic operators together with Watson’s type rotational operators. This means that the z-quantization axis deviates from the a inertial axis for both the 5¹ and 9² vibrational states. The line intensity calculations were performed accounting also for the axis switching effects. As far as the experimental line positions are concerned we have used the millimeter wave data available in the literature [J. Mol. Spectrosc., 175 (1996) 395; J. Mol. Spectrosc., 208 (2001) 121; and references therein], as well as new centimeter wave measurements performed in Kiel and new Fourier transform infrared spectra recorded in Giessen. For the line intensities we have used an extensive set of individual line intensities measured recently [J. Mol. Spectrosc., 218 (2003) 151]. All these experimental data were very satisfactorily reproduced using the theoretical model described above and an improved set of line positions and intensities was generated for the ν₅ and 2ν₉ bands allowing one to better model the HNO₃ absorption in the 11 μm spectral domain.     

The υ1 fundamental bands of trans- and cis-DONO studied by high-resolution Fourier-transform spectroscopy

The absorption spectrum of deuterated nitrous acid DONO in the region from 2350 to 3000 cm⁻¹ has been recorded at a resolution of 0.003 cm⁻¹ using a Fourier-transform spectrometer. For the first time, 1366 a- and b-type transitions in the υ₁ fundamental band of trans-DONO and 741 b-type transitions in the υ₁ fundamental band of cis-DONO have been assigned. Rotational and centrifugal distortion constants up to sextic order were determined for the v₁ = 1 states of trans- and cis-DONO using non-linear least-squares calculations. Synthetic spectra calculated using the new rovibrational constants obtained for both species reproduce the observed spectra very well. In addition, the infrared transitions of this study were used, together with previously published pure rotational transitions, to determine improved rotational and centrifugal distortion constants of the ground states of trans- and cis-DONO.     

Rotational and Torsional Analysis of the OH-Stretch Third Overtone in CH3OH

We record double resonance spectra of the 4ν₁ band of jet-cooled ¹³C-methanol using single rotational state selection in the ν₁ fundamental and subsequent promotion of the selected molecules to the fourth vibrational level. We then detect transitions to the final excited states by infrared laser assisted photofragment spectroscopy (IRLAPS). The assigned A symmetry transitions reach upper states with K=0 and 1, and J from 0 to 5. For E symmetry, the transitions reach levels with K in the range −3 to 2 and J from 1 to 7. The rotation-torsional analysis determines a value for the torsional tunneling splitting of 2.8±0.4 cm⁻¹ at v₁=4. In a previous paper (J. Chem. Phys.110, 11 359-11 367 (1999)), we reported a trend of monotonically decreasing tunneling splittings in ¹²CH₃OH for v₁=0, 3, and 6 that we explained by a model that incorporates a linear increase in the torsional barrier height with OH stretch excitation. The ¹³CH₃OH tunneling splitting for the 4ν₁ band is in quantitative agreement with the trend found for ¹²CH₃OH.     

New measurements and global analysis of chloromethane in the region from 0 to 1800 cm

New high resolution Fourier transform spectra of pure ¹²CH₃³⁵Cl and ¹²CH₃³⁷Cl isotopomers of chloromethane have been recorded in Wuppertal covering the region from 600 to 3800 cm⁻¹. New rotational transitions within the v₂=1, v₅=1, and v₃=2 states have been measured at Lille. A first global analysis of the lower four band systems of the molecule (700-1800 cm⁻¹) is reported. The model was based on an effective Hamiltonian and dipole moment expressed in terms of irreducible tensor operators. A common set of 125 effective hamiltonian parameters (sixth order) has been adjusted to fit simultaneously some 11 000 IR data for each of the isotopomers including 153 mm wave data for 12CH₃35Cl. The assignments involve 12 sets of transitions (6 cold bands, 3 hot bands, and 3 pure rotational systems for ¹²CH₃³⁵Cl). The standard deviation was on average 0.00014 cm⁻¹ and 175 kHz for the IR and MMW data, respectively. The v₃=v₆=1 state was analysed for the first time principally from observed hot band transitions.     

Global fit of the high-resolution infrared spectrum of D2S

High-resolution Fourier-transform spectra of the D₂S molecule in the regions of polyads of interacting vibrational states v = 3/2, 2, 5/2, 3 and 7/2 (v = v₁ + v₂/2 + v₃) were recorded for the first time with a Bruker IFS 120 Fourier-transform interferometer and analysed. A global fit of all currently available rotation-vibration energies has been made for 22 vibrational states of the D₂S molecule. The resulting set of 231 parameters reproduces all the initial experimental data (about 3670 vibration-rotation energies which correspond to more than 9700 ro-vibrational transitions with J^max = 25) with accuracies close to the experimental uncertainties.