The pure rotational spectrum of pivaloyl chloride, (CH₃)₃CCOCl, between 800 and 18 800 MHz

A search accelerated correct intensity Fourier transform microwave (SACI-FTMW) spectrometer has been used to rapidly record the rotational spectrum of pivaloyl chloride between 8 and 18 GHz. Both a radio frequency and regular cavity-based instrument have then been used to obtain high resolution measurements below 4 GHz and in the 4-18 GHz regions, respectively. Rotational constants, centrifugal distortion constants, and chlorine nuclear quadrupole coupling constants have been determined for both the ³⁵Cl and ³⁷Cl isotopologues. The spectrum provides no evidence concerning internal rotation in the molecule.