Selection rules for pure rotational spectra

It also applies to rotational spectra that the molecule must show an at least transitional dipole moment that gets in resonance with the electromagnetic field. Polar molecules have a dipole moment and a transitional dipole moment not equal to zero is possible.
 
z. B. HCl

symmetric stretch mode
bending mode
antisymmetric stretch mode

With high rotational speed, an originally spherical symmetry of a molecule is distorted.

In contrast, no rotational spectra are displayed by homonuclear diatomics; the same is true for spherical tops. Nevertheless, certain states of a such molecules allow unexpected interactions with the electromagnetic field; i.e.

The conservation of the angular momentum is fundamental for the selection rules that allow or prohibit transitions of a linear molecule:
 
ΔJ = ± 1  ΔMJ = 0, ± 1 

For a symmetric top, an existing dipole moment is always parallel to the molecule's axis. Thus, with respect to this axis, no changes of the rotational state occur.
 
ΔK = 0

For transitions J + 1 ← J, an equation of the following kind rules the wavenumbers of absorbances to occur.

ν = B(J + 1)(J + 2) - BJ(J + 1)  
ν = 2B(J + 1)  with   J = 0, 1, 2...

The distance between two lines is constant. Δν = ν(J) −ν(J−1) = 2B. We are then able to determine the bond's length r as I = µr2.

For high rotational speeds and centrifugal forces that stretch a molecule, a more accurate equation for ν is
ν = B(J+1)(J+2) - D(J+1)2(J+2)2 - BJ(J+1) + DJ2(J+1)2
ν = 2B(J + 1) - 4D(J + 1)3

i.e., the distance between the lines
Δν = ν(J) - ν (J − 1)
Δν = 2B - 4D(3J2+ 9J + 7)

decreases with J. Thus, the centrifugal constant D for diatomic molecules is in connection with the wavenumber νS that corresponds with the molecule's vibration.

Reversely, D provides information on νs. Of course, the intensity of an absorption is dependent on the transitional dipol moment and on the occupancy of the initial and the final state.
 
 


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