The Millimeter/submillimeter Spectrum of Cyanophosphine, PH_2CN ({X^1A^')
Abstract
Cyanophosphine, PH_2CN (~X1A^'), is the third row analog of cyanamide, a known interstellar molecule, and could be a potential interstellar species. However, only the microwave spectrum has been measured to date, and predictions at millimeter/submillimeter wavelengths have high uncertainities. Therefore, the millimeter/submillimeter spectrum of cyanophosphine has been measured using direct absorption techniques. This molecule was created by the reaction of gas-phase phosphorus, (CN)_2, and H_2 in the presence of argon carrier gas and an AC glow discharge. Eleven transitions have been recorded in the range 305-422 GHz each with multiple asymmetry components from K_a = 0 to 8. No evidence of inversion splitting was visible in the spectrum. The data have been fit with an asymmetric top Hamiltonian, and the spectroscopic constants have been determined. The A rotational constant and several higher-order centrifugal distortion parameters have been determined for the first time, allowing accurate predictions in the millimeter/submillimeter region. Here we report our laboratory measurements and an astronomical search.
- Publication:
-
65th International Symposium On Molecular Spectroscopy
- Pub Date:
- June 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010mss..confERC08H
- Keywords:
-
- MICROWAVE (ROTATIONAL)