Fourier-Transform Microwave Spectroscopy of the Argon-Diacetylene van der Waals Complex

The rotational spectrum of the argon-diacetylene van der Waals complex, produced in a supersonic molecular beam at 1 K, has been observed with a Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer. We observed 22 a-type rotational transitions with Ka up to 3. Three rotational constants, five centrifugal distortion constants, and one higher-order centrifugal distortion constant were determined precisely by least-squares analysis. The complex is shown to have a planer T-shaped structure with C2v symmetry. The structural analysis provides that the Ar atom is located 3.68 A from the center of mass of diacetylene. Force constants for the van der Waals vibrations were determined from the centrifugal distortion constants. It has been found that this complex has a much steeper and more harmonic intermolecular potential than the argon-acetylene complex. Copyright 1997 Academic Press. Copyright 1997Academic Press