High-resolution synchrotron far-infrared spectroscopy of acrolein: The vibrational levels below 700 cm

The far-infrared spectrum of acrolein, CH₂CHCHO, is studied in the 100–360 cm⁻¹ region using continuum radiation from a synchrotron source. The combination of a very high resolution spectrometer, a long absorption path, and a low sample pressure, yields observed line widths of less than 0.0008 cm⁻¹. Observation of the ν₁₈ (157.9 cm⁻¹), and ν₁₃ (323.8 cm⁻¹) fundamental bands, together with six hot bands in the same regions, gives information on eight low-lying vibrational states of the molecule, including the Fermi and Coriolis interactions among them. Combining the present assignments with previous data on the ν₁₂ (564.34 cm⁻¹) and ν₁₇ (593.08 cm⁻¹) fundamental bands, all ten excited vibrational levels below 700 cm⁻¹ are analyzed in terms of one 1-state fit, two 2-state fits, and one 5-state fit.