Microwave Spectroscopy and Molecular Structure: Some Undergraduatell Laboratory Projects

Experiments on determination of the structure of some small molecules by microwave spectroscopy are reported. These experiments are suggested for undergraduate laboratories. The apparatus is relatively simple and inexpensive and demonstrates principles of spectroscopy and electronics. The observation of rotational absorption lines demonstrates basic principles of quantum mechanics. Electric dipole moments or nuclear quadrupole coupling may be obtained from further analysis of the data. Apparatus and specific experiments on OCS, BrCN, HDO, HDS, and NH₂D are described.