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Further Investigations of the ClO Rotational Spectrum
Brian J. Drouin1, Charles E. Miller, Edward A. Cohen
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, 91109-8099
Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy
|May 5, 2001
Summary
Pure rotational transitions of chlorine monoxide radical were observed in various states and isotopomers. This study determined the electron spin-rotation constant and Born-Oppenheimer corrections for the first time.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Spectroscopy
- Physical Chemistry
- Quantum Mechanics
Background:
- Chlorine monoxide radical (ClO) is a key species in atmospheric chemistry.
- Understanding its rotational and electronic properties is crucial for atmospheric modeling.
- Previous studies have provided limited data on ClO's rotational and spin-rotation parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely determine the rotational and spin-rotation constants of the chlorine monoxide radical.
- To investigate the effects of isotopic substitution on molecular parameters.
- To refine theoretical models of ClO spectroscopy.
Main Methods:
- Observation of pure rotational transitions in the far infrared, microwave, and submillimeter regions.
- High-resolution infrared spectroscopy was employed.
- Simultaneous fitting of transition frequencies using isotopically independent parameters.
Main Results:
- Pure rotational transitions were observed up to v=2 in the X(1) (2)Pi(3/2) and X(2) (2)Pi(1/2) states.
- Transitions for the (35)Cl(18)O isotopomer were measured.
- The electron spin-rotation constant (gamma) was determined to be -296.0(43) MHz.
- Born-Oppenheimer corrections to rotational constants were calculated.
Conclusions:
- The study provides the first determination of the electron spin-rotation constant for ClO.
- Isotopic substitution provided new insights into molecular constants.
- The obtained data enhance the understanding of chlorine monoxide radical properties.