The rotational spectrum and molecular structure of the argon–carbonyl fluoride complex

The microwave spectrum of the argon–carbonyl fluoride complex in the ground vibrational state has been assigned using a Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer, employing a pulsed supersonic nozzle as a molecular source. Argon–carbonyl fluoride is a nonplanar near-symmetric prolate top, with the argon atom situated above the plane of the F2CO molecule, nearly over the fluorine atoms. The spectroscopic constants are Information from centrifugal distortion is used to obtain the harmonic force constants, normal frequencies, and mean-square amplitudes of vibration for the van der Waals modes of Ar–F2CO.