The microwave and millimeter-wave spectra of hypochlorous acid

Abstract

To permit atmospheric monitoring of the molecule, the microwave spectra of two isotopic species of hypochlorous acid, HOCl, have been measured in the frequency range 8–650 GHz. Three b-type branches and an a-type Q branch have all been measured for the first time; improved measurements have been made for the a-type R branches. The analysis has included combination differences of earlier high-resolution infrared spectra to give accurate values for all rotational constants, five quartic and five higher degree centrifugal distortion constants, as well as the chlorine nuclear quadrupole and spin-rotation coupling constants. From the Stark effect, accurate values have also been obtained for both components of the molecular dipole moment. A table of transition frequencies of potential use in atmospheric monitoring is presented.