The spectrum of the YCl molecule has been studied in high resolution. A strong band system in the near infrared region has been found for the first time. This band system corresponds to the theoretically predicted B1Π-X1Σ transition. The band system has been recorded in thermal emission in high resolution using a Fourier transform spectrophotometer. Twelve bands belonging to this band system have been rotationally analyzed. Accurate molecular constants for the X1Σ and B1Π states have been determined. © 1991.