15min:

JIE MIN, DEWAYNE T. HALFEN, LUCY. M. ZIURYS, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Astronomy, and Steward Observatory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721.

The pure rotational spectrum of ScC₂ (X²A₁) has been measured using Fourier transform microwave (FTMW) spectroscopy. This is the first study of ScC₂ by any spectroscopic technique. In the FTMW system, the molecule was synthesized using the discharge assisted laser ablation source (DALAS) from a mixture of 0.25 % methane in argon and the ablation of a scandium rod. Spectra of the main isotopologue, ScC₂, as well as Sc¹³C¹³C and Sc¹³C¹²C, have been recorded in the frequency range of 4-60 GHz. Three rotational transitions have been measured, each exhibiting fine structure and hyperfine splittings due to scandium nuclear spin (I =7/2). The data have been analyzed with a ²A₁ Hamiltonian and rotational, spin-rotation constants and Sc and ¹³C hyperfine parameters have been determined. The spectra are consistent with a triangular structure and a ²A₁ ground electronic state as predicted by theory. A precise structure will be presented.