The Rotational Spectrum and Structure of the HOOO Radical

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1112233
• Publication Date: 2005-05-07T00:39:24Z
• Authors: Kohsuke Suma; Yoshihiro Sumiyoshi; Yasuki Endo
• Keywords: Molecular beam; Molecular geometry

The adduct of the hydroxyl radical with oxygen has been studied theoretically, in connection atmospheric reactions, but its stability and structure remained an open question. Pure rotational spectra HOOO DOOO radicals have now observed a supersonic jet by using Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer pulsed discharge nozzle. molecular constants extracted from 12 transitions fine hyperfine splittings support trans planar structure, contrast to cis predicted most ab initio calculations. bond linking HO O 2 moieties is fairly long (1.688 angstroms) comparable F–O isoelectronic FOO radical.