High resolution electronic spectroscopy of MgCH3

Abstract
The MgCH3 radical was produced by a laser ablation/photolysis technique in a cold supersonic free‐jet expansion and probed by laser induced fluorescence. Rotationally resolved spectra for both spin‐orbit components of the à 2EX̃ 2A1 electronic transition have been recorded. The analysis of these spectra yields the rotational constants of MgCH3 and therefrom a structure for the radical is proposed. A comparison is made among a series of alkyl organometallic radicals.