Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy of FeCN (X4Δ i): Confirmation of the quartet electronic ground state

L. N. Zack, J. Min, B. J. Harris, M. A. Flory, L. M. Ziurys

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Spectra of the FeCN radical have been measured using Fourier-transform microwave (FTMW) techniques. This species was created in a supersonic jet by laser-ablation of iron, coupled with a dc discharge, in the presence (CN) 2. The lowest rotational transition of FeCN near 36 GHz was recorded. The observation of this transition, the J = 9/2 → 7/2 line in the Ω = 7/2 spin-orbit component, conclusively establishes that FeCN has a 4Δi ground electronic state, rather a 6Δ state, as predicted by theory. The FTMW spectrum of NiCN (X2Δi) was also measured; small nitrogen hyperfine splitting was observed in both molecules.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)202-206
Number of pages5
JournalChemical Physics Letters
Volume514
Issue number4-6
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 6 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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