Fourier transform microwave spectroscopic study of gas-phase ClPO2: Molecular geometry and electronic structure parameter determinations

This paper reports the first spectroscopic study of free gas-phase ClPO2. E xperimental geometric parameters have been determined for the first time an d insight into the electronic structure of the molecule has been gained, bo th from the analysis of the measured Fourier transform microwave spectra. T he sample was generated inside a pulsed nozzle by passing an electric disch arge through PCl3 and O-2 in He and was subsequently stabilized in a supers onic jet expansion. The determined ClPO2 parameters have been compared with those of related species.