Knowledge Bank

The pure rotational spectrum of ScC$2$ (X$2$A$1$) has been measured using Fourier transform microwave (FTMW) spectroscopy. This is the first study of ScC$2$ 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, ScC$2$, as well as Sc$\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">13</mrow>}$C$\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">13</mrow>}$C and Sc$\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">13</mrow>}$C$\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">12</mrow>}$C, 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 $2$A$1$ Hamiltonian and rotational, spin-rotation constants and Sc and $\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">13</mrow>}$C hyperfine parameters have been determined. The spectra are consistent with a triangular structure and a $2$A$1$ ground electronic state as predicted by theory. A precise structure will be presented.