Microwave and submillimeter spectroscopy and first ISM detection of 18O-methyl formate

Abstract

Context. Astronomical survey of interstellar molecular clouds needs a previous analysis of the spectra in the microwave and sub-mm energy range to be able to identify them. We obtained very accurate spectroscopic constants in a comprehensive laboratory analysis of rotational spectra. These constants can be used to predict transition frequencies that were not measured in the laboratory very precisely. Aims. We present an experimental study and a theoretical analysis of two 18O-methyl formate isotopologues, which were subsequently detected for the first time in Orion KL. Methods. The experimental spectra of both methyl formate isotopologues recorded in the microwave and sub-mm range from 1 to 660 GHz. Both spectra were analysed by using the rho-axis method (RAM) which takes into account the CH3 internal rotation. Results. We obtained spectroscopic constants of both 18O- methyl formate with high accuracy. Thousands of transitions were assigned and others predicted, which allowed us to detect both species in the IRAM 30 m line survey of Orion KL.