15min:

M. A. FLORY AND L. M. ZIURYS, Department of Chemistry, Department of Astronomy, Steward Observatory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721.

The pure rotational spectra of VN (X ³ _r) and VO (X ^{4 -}) in their ground electronic states have been recorded in the frequency range 295-525 GHz. In each case, seven rotational transitions were measured. Fine structure and vanadium hyperfine splittings were resolved in these data. These radicals were produced by reacting gas-phase VCl₄ with N₂ (VN) or residual O₂ (VO) in an AC discharge. Rotational, fine, and hyperfine constants were determined. In particular, the hyperfine constants a , b , and c for VN have been established from a global fit to the spectra. The parameters obtained are in good agreement with previous studies.