Molecular Parameters for c-C2H4O (Ethylene Oxide)

NRAO National Radio Astronomy Observatory


Laboratory measurements of this high energy isomer of acetaldehyde and vinyl alcohol, were published by Hirose Ap. J. 189, L145 (1974). Recently Herbst (1997, unpublished) has extended the spectrum to higher millimeter wavelengths. Particularly interesting, it is one of the small group of cyclic molecules. An oblate asymmetric rotor, it is planar.


  • Approximate Structure:

    • H-C = C-H

    \O/

  • Dipole Moment 1.88 Debye along b molecular axis.


    • Interstellar detection by Dickens, Irvine, Ohishi, Ikeda, Ishikawa, Nummelin and Hjalmarson, Ap. J., in press.


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