The Microwave Spectrum of Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract

Nine absorption lines of H2O2 and some one hundred absorption lines of D2O2 and HDO2 have been observed in the microwave frequency region using a flow system for sampling to overcome the decomposition of the peroxide at low vapor pressure. An analysis of the microwave spectrum of H2O2, using a symmetric top approximation, reveals that it is necessary to invoke hindered internal rotation to explain the experimental data. Using a sinusoidal approximation for the hindering potential yields a barrier height of about 113 cm—1. From the Stark effect calculations, a value of dipole moment of 2.26 debye units is obtained. Some limiting conditions on the values of the molecular parameters are discussed.