Infrared Spectrum and Structure of Perchlorylfluoride

The infrared spectrum of gaseous perchlorylfluoride, ClO3F, has been obtained over the range 3–43 μ. A satisfactory assignment has been achieved on the basis of a C3v model in which the four peripheral atoms are each bonded to the central chlorine. The a1 fundamentals occur at 1061, 715, and 549 cm—1; the e fundamentals are found at 1315, 589, and 405 cm—1. The stability of the C3v structure for ClO3F is discussed with reference to ClO4— and related molecules.