RESEARCH NOTE Vibration-rotation bands in ethane

The absorption spectrum of ethane was recorded at 0.014 cm-1 resolution in the range 4500- 6500 cm-1 using a Fourier transform spectrometer and at room temperature. Eighteen bands could be identified and their type assigned. Upper state rotational constants are provided for the band at 5948.338 cm-1 and Coriolis constants are obtained for most perpendicular bands. Vibrational assignments are suggested for the bands at 5948 cm-1 (upsilon7 + upsilon10), 5914 cm-1 (upsilon8 + upsilon10 + upsilon11), and 5852 cm-1 (upsilon5 + upsilon10). All vibrational bands reported in the literature are gathered.