Experimental determination of average and equilibrium structures of polyatomic gas molecules by diffraction and spectroscopic methods

Abstract

Various definitions and interrelations of the “geometric structures” of polyatomic molecules are reviewed. Analytical procedures for determining well-defined “structures” are discussed. The variations in average nuclear positions caused by isotopic substitution and their influence on the structure are estimated for OCS, HCN, SO₂ and H₂O as examples.