Microwave spectra of transient species - Cyclopentadienoe

The microwave spectrum of the main isotopic species of cyclopentadienone has been measured and assigned. The rotational constants imply an essentially planar geometry and that the ring is rather "fatter" than the analogous ring in fulvene. The dipole moment, derived from Stark-effect measurements, is 10.4 X 10(-30) C in (3.13 D). A vibrational satellite spectrum, which, from its inertial defect, corresponds to an out-of-plane vibration has also been assigned. The life time of cyclopentadienone under our spectroscopic conditions is approximately 15 sec.