C6H and C6D: Electronic spectra and Renner-Teller analysis

Abstract

Rotationally resolved spectra of the B(2)Π - X(2)Π 0(0)(0) electronic origin bands and 11(1)(1) μ(2)Σ-μ(2)Σ vibronic hot band transitions of both C(6)H and C(6)D have been recorded in direct absorption by cavity ring-down spectroscopy through a supersonically expanding planar plasma. For both origin and hot bands accurate spectroscopic parameters are derived from a precise rotational analysis. The origin band measurements extend earlier work and the 11(1)(1) μ(2)Σ-μ(2)Σ vibronic hot bands are discussed here for the first time. The Renner-Teller effect for the lowest bending mode ν(11) is analyzed, yielding the Renner parameters ε(11), vibrational frequencies ω(11), and the true spin-orbit coupling constants A(SO) for both (2)Π electronic states. From the Renner-Teller analysis and spectral intensity measurements as a function of plasma jet temperature, the excitation energy of the lowest-lying 11(1) μ(2)Σ vibronic state of C(6)H is determined to be (11.0 ± 0.8) cm(-1).