MICROWAVE SPECTRUM OF $CF_{3}CH_{2}OH$

Abstract

A study of the low resolution rotational spectrum of $CF_{3}CH_{2}OH$ employing a Stark-modulated absorption spectrometer as well as an optoacoustic microwave spectrometer identified two series of bands which fit the relation $\nu\cong (2A-B-C)(K_{1}+1/2).^{1}$ These bands were assigned to {b}-type Q-branch series characteristic of a nearly prolate rotor. Utilising the high resolution of a pulsed-beam Fourier-transform spectrometer, $\mu_{a}$- and $\mu_{b}$- type transitions have been assigned for two states in $CF_{3}CH_{2}OH$. The transitions cannot be satisfactorily fit to an asymmetrical top Watson Hamiltonian presumably because the two states involved are Coriolis coupled. However, a large number of combination differences confirm the low J energy level structure for each state. Currently, optothermal microwave studies are underway to obtain high frequency data in order to understand the origin of the spectral perturbations.