THE HARMONIC POTENTIAL FUNCTION AND AVERAGE STRUCTURE OF SULPHUR DICHLORIDE, $SCl_{2}$, FROM ITS MICROWAVE SPECTRUM

Abstract

The microwave spectra of $^{32}S^{35}Cl_{2}$ in its ground (000) and $v_{2} = 1$ excited (010) vibrational states have been measured, along with that of $^{32}S^{35}Cl^{37}Cl$ in its (000) state. Values of the harmonic potential constants have been determined from the centrifugal distortion constants and the variation of the inertial defect with vibrational state. The frequencies of the three fundamental vibrations of $^{32}S^{35}Cl_{2}$ have been predicted, and agree very well with observed values. A partial substitution structure has been evaluated. The potential function has been used to obtain average structures of $^{32}S^{35}Cl_{2}$ in the (000) and (010) states. A comparison is made of the bonding In $SCl_{2}$ and related molecules.