The microwave spectra and molecular structures of (Z)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and its gas-phase heterodimer with the argon atom

The microwave spectra of (Z)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and its gas-phase heterodimer with the argon atom in the 5.6 to 18.1 GHz frequency range are first observed and assigned using broadband, chirped pulse, Fourier transform microwave (FTMW) spectroscopy. Subsequent analysis of higher-resolution spectra obtained between 5 and 21 GHz with a narrowband, Balle-Flygare FTMW instrument provides spectroscopic constants, including nuclear quadrupole coupling constants, for five isotopologues of the propene molecule and two isotopologues of the complex with argon. Structural parameters obtained from these spectra show the existence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond between one of the fluorine atoms of the trifluoromethyl group and the hydrogen atom on the adjacent carbon atom. No evidence is seen for internal rotation of the trifluoromethyl group. The location of the argon atom in the heterodimer is consistent with the expectation that it will be positioned so to interact with the greatest number of heavy atoms, and in particular, the polarizable chlorine atom.