Laboratory Detection Of Clznch3 (x1a1): Further Evidence For Zinc Insertion

The pure rotational spectrum of methylzinc chloride, ClZnCH$_{3}$ (X$^{1}$A$_{1}$), has been recorded in the gas phase using direct absorption spectroscopic techniques. ClZnCH$_{3}$ was synthesized by the reaction of zinc vapor, generated in a Broida-type oven, with chloromethane in the presence of a DC discharge. Rotational transitions of the main isotopologue, $^{35}$Cl$^{64}$ZnCH$_{3}$, were measured in the frequency range of 260${-297}$ GHz. The presence of clear K-ladder structure (K = 0${-6}$) indicates that the species is a symmetric top with C$_{3V}$ symmetry. ClZnCH$_{3}$ appears to be formed by the oxidative addition of atomic zinc to chloromethane. Searches for the $^{37}$Cl, $^{66}$Zn, $^{13}$C, and D substituted isotopologues are currently in progress. The geometries of ClZnCH$_{3}$ and IZnCH$_{3}$ will be compared with reactivity trends for halogen-substituted organometallic reagents