Gas phase structures and molecular constants of dimers and molecules determined using microwave spectroscopy

Gas phase structures and other molecular parameters have been investigated for several molecules and dimers using pulsed beam Fourier Transform Microwave Spectroscopy. An automated control system has been designed and implemented for the microwave spectrometer that has allowed a systematic observation of the microwave spectrum for many molecules. The theoretical models that are available to the gas phase structural chemist, density functional theory and ab-initio methods, are described with detailed comparisons to experimental results. Experimental data was generated for systems involving hydrogen bonded dimers, organic molecules, inorganic molecules and organometallic molecules. Rotational constants and quadrupole coupling constants were determined using the microwave spectra. This data and isotopic investigations have been used to determine key structural parameters and molecular properties.