Rotational spectrum and structure of Si3

The rotational spectrum of a pure silicon cluster, the Si3 trimer, has been observed for the first time. From the rotational constants of the normal and the 29Si and 30Si isotopic species, a precise geometrical structure has been derived: the trimer is an isosceles triangle with a bond to the apex Si of length 2.177(1) A and an apex angle of 78.10(3) degrees. The substantial inertial defect and fairly large centrifugal distortion suggest that the molecule possesses a shallow bending potential. Si3 is a good candidate for astronomical detection because radio lines of comparably massive silicon molecules (e.g., SiC2, SiC4, and SiS) are readily observed in at least one astronomical source. The rotational spectra of Si6, Si9, and even larger polar silicon clusters may be detectable with the present technique, as well as similar germanium clusters.