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The question posed in this work is how one would model and predict the rotational spectrum of open-shell open-shell van der Waals complexes. There are two secondary questions that arise: the nature of radical-radical interactions in such systems and the modelling of the large amplitude motion of the constituent molecules. Four different systems were studied in this work, each providing part of the answer to the main question. Starting with the large amplitude motion, there are two theoretical approaches that may be adopted: to either model the whole complex as a semi-rigid molecule, or to perform quantum dynamical calculations. We recorded and analysed the rotational spectrum (using Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy) of the molecule of tertiary butyl acetate (TBAc) which exhibits a high degree of internal rotation; and of the weakly-bound complex between a neon atom and a nitrogen dioxide molecule (Ne-NO2). We used the semi-rigid approach for TBAc and the quantum dynamical approach for Ne-NO2. We also explored the compatibility of these two approaches. Moreover, we were able to predict and analyse the fine and hyperfine structure of the Ne-NO2 spectrum using spherical tensor operator algebra and the results of our dynamics calculations. To explore the nature of the interactions in an radical-radical van der Waals complex we calculated the PESs of the possible states that the complex may be formed in, when an oxygen and a nitrogen monoxide molecule meet on a plane using a number of high level ab initio methods. Finally, our conclusions were tested and applied when we performed the angular quantum dynamics to predict the rotational spectrum of the complex between an oxygen and a nitrogen dioxide molecule, and account for the effect of nuclear spin statistics in that system.

This thesis details research undertaken in the investigation of the open-shell open-shell Van der Waals complexes between nitric oxide (NO) and oxygen (O2) and between nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) and oxygen (O2 ). The Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy technique was used during the experimental work. Spectra were recorded for a mixture of NO and O2 over the frequency range 7.0 to 18.2 GHz. Detailed ab initio calculations have been performed on the potential energy surface of both NO-O2 and NO2-O2 using Multi-reference Rayleigh Schrodinger Second Order Perturbation Theory. These calculations were performed for the four distinct states of NO-O2, 2A", 4A", 2A' and 4A', and for the two distinct states of NO,sub>2-O2, 2A and 4A. Predicted rotational spectra have been generated by modelling the systems with a rigid-rotor Hamiltonians. The effective Hamiltonians included the rotational Hamiltonian, ℋrot, fine structure terms and hyperfine structure terms. It was not possible, for rationalizable reasons, to fit the predicted spectra for NO-O2 to the experimental observations. Experimental details, calculation methods and rotational theory are discussed in the main body of the thesis. Predicted spectra, relevant calculations and other data is presented in the appendices.

The microwave spectrum of the open-shell van der Waals complex NO-HF has been recorded in the region 6-20GHz using a pulsed nozzle Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. This is the first observation of the microwave spectrum of a open-shell van der Waals complex between two molecules. The spectrum exhibits a rich hyperfine structure with the observation of intermolecular hyperfine interactions in an isolated system providing a sensitive probe of electron transfer in the complex. The spectrum consists of four fine structure transitions 5/2(e)-3/2(e), 3/2(e)-1/2(e), 5/2(f)-3/2(f), 3/2(f)-1/2(f) which have been fitted to a semi-rigid Hamiltonian developed to include the effects of the orbital and spin angular momenta of the unpaired electron on NO. A new treatment to account for the intermolecular hyperfine interaction was developed. The structure of the complex has been determined and is significantly bent with an angle of between 37 degrees and 49 degrees between the NO internuclear axis and the a-axis of the complex. The Renner-Teller parameter, epsilon 2, is very large and negative having the value of -10 449.32(4)GHz indicating that configuration with the unpaired electron in the plane of the complex is more stable. The analysis of the hyperfine interactions of the hydrogen and fluorine nuclei uses two constants for each nucleus, one for the spatial relationship between the magnetic moments of the unpaired electron and the nuclear magnetic moment and a Fermi-contact term. The Fermi-contact term for hydrogen is the first strong evidence of intermolecular charge transfer in an isolated van der Waals molecule.

This thesis describes the commissioning and development of a pulsed supersonic nozzle, Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer and its application to the study of several weakly bound van der Waals complexes. A pulsed supersonic expansion, Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer based on the Flygare design with a number of modifications has been constructed with an operating range of 6-18 GHz. A homodyne detection circuit mixing signals to modulus values between dc and 1 MHz is used, requiring two measurements to determine absolute transition frequencies. Transition frequencies are measured from the power spectrum by determining the first derivative zero crossing point in a least squares fitting procedure. Semiautomation of many of the spectrometer operations has been achieved allowing unattended data collection over scans of up to 300 MHz. The microwave spectrum of Ar2-OCS and Ar2-OC34S has been observed and analysed using conventional Watson S reduction hamiltonian parameters. Effective structural parameters are derived and used in a harmonic force field analysis, based on the centrifugal distortion constants, to compare the trimer interations with a model based on the sum of dimer interactions. A series of complexes containing the nitrogen molecule undergoing tunnelling motions have been studied. Hyperfine matrix elements for the first order nuclear quadrupole interaction are derived for the coupled identical nuclei case appropriate to the rapid tunnelling motions observed. The microwave spectrum of N2-OCS is described. Tunnelling and nuclear spin statistical effects for two symmetry states are observed arising from the interchange of nitrogen nuclei. Rotational and quadrupole constants are derived; an accidental near degeneracy of two rotational levels allows the off-diagonal quadrupole coupling constant to be determined from second order effects. A tunnelling hamiltonian fitting the quadrupole coupling constants to an angular potential has been used to calculate the tunnelling frequency and barrier to N2 rotation. The microwave spectrum of N2-O3 and a preliminary spectrum of N2-SO3 have been observed. Rotation-inversion motions of the O3 and SO2 moieties must be considered in addition to the N2 tunnelling to fit the spectrum. Tunnelling frequencies for the O3/SO2 and geared motions with the N2 are derived as well as structural parameters. Modifications for production of refractory molecules and complexes by laser ablation have been made. A modified nozzle employing rods of material is used with the ablation process taking place in the nozzle throat. Modifications to obtain an expansion along the axis of the microwave cavity employ a hemispherical Fabry-Perot cavity configuration. The system has been tested on a number of diatomic molecules including PbS and CuCl.