The Infra-Red Spectrum of Ketene

Abstract

The infra‐red spectrum of gaseous ketene has been studied from 2.5μ to 25μ with a spectrometer using LiF, NaCl, and KBr prisms. A perpendicular band at 3162 cm⁻¹ with components relatively free of perturbations has been resolved, and the intensity alternation associated with the twofold axis observed. All fundamental vibrational frequencies have been assigned. A normal coordinate treatment of the general H₂XYZ molecule has been made and reasonable force constants for ketene calculated.