Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy of dimethyl-substituted Criegee intermediate (CH3)2COO.

Pure rotational transitions of the dimethyl-substituted Criegee intermediate (dimethyl carbonyl oxide, acetone oxide), (CH3)2COO, were observed in the discharge plasma of a C(CH3)2I2/O2 gas mixture by Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy. The observed spectra show small splittings due to the internal rotations of the two methyl groups. Precise rotational constants of the molecule and the barrier heights of the methyl internal rotations were experimentally determined.