Spectroscopic characterization of a molecule with a weak bond: the BrOO radical

Pure rotational spectra of the BrOO radical for the 79Br and 81Br isotopomers have been observed using a Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. The radical was produced in a supersonic jet by discharging a mixture gas containing bromine and oxygen diluted in argon. A-type rotational transitions are observed for N" = 1-5, K(a) = 0 with spin doublings and hyperfine splittings due to the nuclear spin of the bromine atom. High-level ab initio calculations by RCCSD(T) and MRCI have also been performed, and results are compared with the experimental data. Molecular structure of BrOO has been discussed based on the present experimental data, supplemented by the tendency among the halogen peroxide series and the results of the ab initio calculations; the Br-O bond is found to be anomalously long and weak. Systematic comparisons with other halogen peroxides have revealed anomalous nature of the X-O (X = halogen atom) bonds for this series of radicals.