The microwave spectrum of a dideuterated form of ethylene glycol (glycol-O-d2, CH2ODCH2OD) has been investigated in the frequency range from 18 to 50 GHz. Among the many transitions observed, 64 rotational transitions could be assigned with the help of microwave—microwave double resonance experiments. All transitions occurred as doublets due to large amplitude motions in the molecule. A semirigid molecular model which features a collective concerted internal rotation of the two OD groups on the Born—Oppenheimer surface has been used for the assignment and analysis. This model allowed a satisfactory interpretation of the assigned transitions. From the centers of the doublets the following rotational constants and the dipole moment of a hypothetical rigid rotor could be determined: A = 14394.63(17) MHz, B = 5276.27(24) MHz, C = 4323.53(20) MHz, μa = 2.166(37)D, μb = 0.74(18)D, and μc = 0.75(21)D. An empirical potential function for the concerted internal rotation of the OD groups has been derived from the measured doublet splittings.
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