Molecular Rydberg transitions: Cyanogen chloride

The electronic absorption spectrum of cyanogen chloride has been investigated in the range 2200-1250 Å. The first s-Rydberg transitions, $\text{X}\text{?}{}^1\text{Σ}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{→}{}^3\text{Π}{}_1$ and $\text{X}\text{?}{}^1\text{Σ}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{→}{}^1\text{Π}{}_1$ have been assigned, and analyzed to yield exchange and spin-orbit coupling parameters. The relative intensities of these two transitions have been shown to accord with an intermediate coupling situation. The $\text{π → π}{}^1$ intravalence excitations, leading to ^1.3(Σ^?, Δ and Σ⁺) states, have been discussed. It has been shown that one or both of the ¹Σ^? and ¹Δ states have bent geometries and that the ¹Σ⁺ state is located (tentatively) at 79 755 cm^?1. Two $\text{σ → π}{}^1\text{π → σ}{}^1$ states have been assigned, one at 56 340 cm^?1, the other at 74 450 cm^?1. The latter assignment is tentative, being largely based on observed vibronic interferences between the $\text{X}\text{?}{}^1\text{Σ}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{→}{}^1\text{Π}{}_1$ transition and the 74 450 cm^?1 transition. A considerable amount of vibrational oscillator strength and quantum defect data is presented.