Determination of the molecular dipole moment of bromofluoromethane: Microwave Stark spectra and ab initio calculations

The electric dipole moment of bromofluoromethane, CH279BrF, has been determined with a good accuracy by observing the second order ΔMJ = 0 Stark spectrum of the J = 32,1 ← 31,2, J = 52,3 ← 51,4 and J = 52,4 ← 51,5 rotational transitions. In addition, the equilibrium geometry and dipole moment have been evaluated using highly accurate ab initio calculations. By comparing the experimental [μa = 0.3466(11) D and μb = 1.704(26) D] and theoretical [μa = −0.339 D and μb = −1.701 D] dipole moment components, a very good agreement has been found.