Measurement and analysis of the pure rotational spectra of tin monochloride, SnCl, using laser ablation equipped chirped pulse and cavity Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy

The pure rotational spectrum of tin monochloride, SnCl, has been measured and analyzed using chirped pulse and cavity Fourier transform microwave spectrometers equipped with a laser ablation source. SnCl, in its X2Π12 electronic state, has been measured in the 8-17 GHz region. Rotational constants, centrifugal distortion constants, Λ-doubling constants, magnetic hyperfine constants, and nuclear electric quadrupole coupling constants for multiple isotopologues have been determined and are reported. The bond length, nuclear magnetic and quadrupole constants have been analyzed and compared against the family of tetral halides. Analysis of the bond length and hyperfine interactions point to a Sn-Cl single bond which is largely ionic in nature.

Graphical abstractDownload full-size imageHighlights► First known microwave study of SnCl. ► Created using laser ablation equipped, chirped pulse and cavity Fourier transform microwave techniques. ► First known determination of any nuclear quadrupole and magnetic hyperfine constants in SnCl. ► Bond length and hyperfine comparisons amongst the family of tetral chlorides. ► Interpretation of bond length and hyperfine interactions show a largely ionic bond with single bond character.