Infrared spectroscopy and molecular properties of chlorosyl fluoride, FClO

The structure of the very reactive, yet fairly long-lived, FClO molecule has been determined experimentally for the first time. Analysis of the high-resolution infrared spectrum of its ν1 band provided the spectroscopic constants needed. FClO was obtained as the main product of the reaction between ClF3 and H2O under slow-flow conditions. A preliminary analysis of the ν2 band and a comparison of the FClO structural properties with those of related molecules are also presented.