Waveguide CP-FTMW and millimeter wave spectra of s-cis- and s-trans-acrylic acid

Abstract

The millimeter wave spectrum of acrylic acid (CH2=CH–COOH), the simplest unsaturated carboxylic acid, was measured and analyzed from 130 to 360 GHz. Additional measurements from 18 to 26.5 GHz were also made using a waveguide CP-FTMW spectrometer. More than 4000 rotational lines were assigned to s-cis- and s-trans-acrylic acid in their ground vibrational states. New laboratory data of acrylic acid were then used to search for its spectral features in Orion KL, Sgr B2, and W51 molecular clouds. An upper limit to the column density of acrylic acid in Orion KL is provided.