The Electronic Emission Spectrum and Molecular Constants of Iodine Monofluoride

Observation by the author (Durie 1951) of a well-developed band system in the emission from an iodine–fluorine flame provided the first evidence for the existence of iodine monofluoride (IF), the last of the six possible diatomic inter-halogen compounds to be detected. The spectrum, which lies in the region 4 300 to 7 600 Å, has since been photographed under high resolution using a 21-ft concave grating spectrograph. The rotational structure of the bands is shown to be consistent with an A 3 Π 0 + → X 1 Σ transition in the IF molecule. A rotational and vibrational analysis of the bands has been carried out and the molecular constants evaluated for IF. The results are as follows:[Formula: see text]The present evidence relating to the value of the dissociation energy of IF is discussed.