Abstract
The pure rotational spectrum of the free radical MgCH3(X 2A1) has been measured in the laboratory for the first time using millimeter/submillimeter direct absorption spectroscopy. The molecule was made in a DC discharge by the reaction of magnesium vapor and dimethyl mercury. Ten rotational transitions of this species were observed in the range 176-374 GHz. MgCH3is a symmetric top molecule with net spin angular momentum. Consequently, both K structure and spin-rotation interactions were observed in every rotational transition. The data were analyzed with a 2A1Hamiltonian and rotational, centrifugal distortion, and fine-structure parameters were accurately determined. These measurements will now enable a search for this radical in interstellar and circumstellar sources to be conducted using millimeter/submillimeter telescopes.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | L157-L160 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 452 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 20 1995 |
Keywords
- ISM: Molecules
- Line: Identification
- Methods: Laboratory
- Molecular data
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science