Structure of dichlorine monoxide as studied by microwave spectroscopy. Determination of equilibrium structure by a modified mass dependence method

The microwave spectra of four isotopic species of dichlorine monoxide (OCl ₂) have been observed, and the rotational constants have been obtained. The r_m structure for each isotopic species has been determined by Watson's method. The equilibrium structure has been estimated by taking proper averages of r_m structures to be r _e(OCl) = 1.69587(7) Å and ∠ _eClOCl = 110.886(6)°. The general applicability and the merit of the present method for estimating the equilibrium structure are pointed out.