Molecules in high spin states II: the pure rotational spectrum of MnF (X7Σ+)

The pure rotational spectrum of MnF has been measured in its X7Σ+ ground state using millimeter/sub-millimeter direct absorption methods. Five and six rotational transitions, respectively, were recorded for this radical in its v=0 and v=1 states in the range 338–630 GHz. MnF was created from SF6 and manganese vapor, produced in a Broida-type oven. The species exhibited a complex pattern where the fine and 55Mn and 19F hyperfine structures are intermixed. Rotational, spin–rotation, spin–spin and hyperfine parameters have been determined for MnF. These constants have been interpreted in terms of bonding and electronic structure in metal fluorides.