The pure rotational spectrum of pivaloyl chloride, (CH3)3CCOCl, between 800 and 18Â 800Â MHz

A search accelerated correct intensity Fourier transform microwave (SACI-FTMW) spectrometer has been used to rapidly record the rotational spectrum of pivaloyl chloride between 8 and 18 GHz. Both a radio frequency and regular cavity-based instrument have then been used to obtain high resolution measurements below 4 GHz and in the 4-18 GHz regions, respectively. Rotational constants, centrifugal distortion constants, and chlorine nuclear quadrupole coupling constants have been determined for both the 35Cl and 37Cl isotopologues. The spectrum provides no evidence concerning internal rotation in the molecule.