Microwave spectroscopic detection of transition metal hydroxides: CuOH and AgOH

Abstract
Pure rotational spectra of transition metal hydroxides have been reported. Millimeter wavespectra of CuOH and AgOH were recorded in a direct current discharge absorption cell in the range of 200–390 GHz. The spectra of both molecules correspond to that of a near prolate asymmetric top and only a-type R branch transitions were observed. The rotational and centrifugal distortion constants of CuOH and AgOH were precisely determined. Centrifugal distortion terms up to N 2 N z 10 were required to fit the observed line frequencies of 63 CuOH . A preliminary analysis showed that AgOH is also strongly bent like CuOH with a bond angle smaller by about 2°.