Microwave spectra of molecules of astrophysical interest. XVI. Methyl formate

The microwave spectrum of methyl formate is critically reviewed for information applicable to radio astronomy. The review is based on new laboratory measurements in the frequency range from 8 GHz to 58 GHz. Molecular data such as the derived rotational constants, centrifugal distortion parameters, internal rotation parameters, electric dipole moment and molecular structure are tabulated. Since the primary objective is to provide microwave spectral transitions applicable to radio astronomy observations, the review encompasses only the ground state rotational spectrum of the most abundant isotopic form of methyl formate, H12C16O2CH3. While all measured transitions are included, the predicted transitions were limited to J< or =12 in the range of 900 MHz to 250 GHz