The microwave spectrum and structure of the argon trifluoroacetonitrile complex

The rotational spectrum of argon trifluoroacetonitrile complex has been studied by pulsed-nozzle, Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. Both a-type and b-type transitions have been observed. The rotational constants are A = 3053.0903(2) MHz, B = 1039.9570(2) MHz, and C = 895.5788(1) MHz. The 14N nuclear quadrupole hyperfine components of the rotational transitions have been resolved, the 14N nuclear quadrupole coupling constants are χaa = 1.746(1) MHz, and χbb − χcc = −6.426(2) MHz. The complex is T-shaped, with the argon atom located 3.73 Å from the center of mass of the trifluoroacetonitrile molecule.