The quadratic potential function and average structure of sulphur dichloride, SCl 2, from its microwave spectrum

Abstract

The microwave spectra of 32S 35Cl 2 in the ground (000) and v 2 = 1 excited vibrational (010) states, and of 32S 35Cl 37Cl in the (000) state, have been measured. Values of the quadratic potential constants have been determined from the centrifugal distortion constants and the variation of the inertial defect with vibrational state. A partial substitution structure has been evaluated. The potential function has been used to obtain average structures of 32S 35Cl 2 in the (000) and (010) states. The frequencies of the three fundamental vibrations of 32S 35Cl 2 have been predicted, and agree extremely well with observed values. A comparison is made of the bonding in SCl 2 and related molecules.