Infrared diode laser spectroscopy of FCO: The ν1 and ν2 bands

The ν₁ (CO stretching) and ν₂ (CF stretching) bands of the FCO radical were observed with Doppler-limited resolution by an infrared diode laser spectrometer with Zeeman and source modulation. The FCO radical was generated by a 60-Hz discharge in one of the following three gas mixtures: O₂ + C₂F₄, CO + SF₆, and CO + C₂F₄, all diluted with He. The observed spectra were analyzed to determine the rotational constants, the centrifugal distortion constants, and the spin-rotation interaction constants. The band origins, 1861.6372(1) and 1026.1283(1) cm^?1 with standard errors in parentheses], which were obtained, were found to agree well with matrix data, 1857 and 1023 cm^?1, respectively. The assignment of the observed spectra to the FCO radical was further supported by observing the ν₁ band of F¹³CO, which was obtained from ¹³CO and SF₆. The molecular structure and the force field of FCO are briefly discussed by using molecular constants obtained from the observed spectra.