The pure rotational spectrum of TiS (X³Δ_r) at submillimeter wavelengths

The pure rotational spectrum of TiS in its X³Δ_r ground state has been measured using millimeter-wave direct-absorption techniques in the frequency range of 313-425 GHz. This free radical was created by the reaction of titanium vapor, produced in a high-temperature Broida-type oven, with H₂S. Eight to ten rotational transitions were recorded for the main titanium isotopologue, ⁴⁸TiS, in the v = 0 and v = 1 levels, as well as for the v = 0 state of ⁴⁶TiS, observed in natural abundance (⁴⁸Ti:⁴⁶Ti = 74:8). All three Ω components were observed in almost every recorded transition, with no evidence for lambda-doubling. The data were fit with a Hund's case(a) Hamiltonian, and rotational, spin-orbit, and spin-spin constants were determined, as well as equilibrium parameters for ⁴⁸TiS. Relatively few fine structure parameters were needed for the analysis of TiS (A, A_D, and λ), unlike other 3d metal species. The rotational pattern of the three fine structure components suggests the presence of a nearby excited ¹Δ state, lying ∼3000 cm^-1 higher in energy. From the equilibrium parameters, the dissociation energy for TiS was estimated to be ∼5.1 eV, in reasonable agreement with past thermochemical data.