Knowledge Bank

The rotational spectrum of $\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">15</mrow>}N2-14N2O$ has been recorded in the 7-19 GHz region using a pulsed molecular beam. Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. Both a- and b-type transitions have been observed. The analysis of the hyperfine structure due to the two $\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">14</mrow>}N$ nuclei in the $N2O$ subunit reveals that the energy levels are doubled, owing to a tunneling motion of the $\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">15</mrow>}N2$ subunit. The rotational constants support a planar, T-shaped structure, with $\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">15</mrow>}N2$ forming the leg of the T. This geometry is consistent with that obtained using infrared $spectroscopy.a$ The nuclear quadrupole coupling constants of the two $\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">14</mrow>}N$ nuclei indicate that the b-axis of the complex forms an angle between $10-12\circ$ with the $N2O$ axis.