Determination of the molecular dipole moment of bromofluoromethane: microwave stark spectra and ab initio calculations

The electric dipole moment of bromofluoromethane, CH2 (79)BrF, has been determined with a good accuracy by observing the second order DMJ = 0 Stark spectrum of the J = 3,2,1 ‹- 3,1,2, J = 5,2,3 ‹- 5,1,4 and J = 5,2,4 ‹- 5,1,5 rotational transitions. In addition, the equilibrium geometry and dipole moment have been evaluated using highly accurate ab initio calculations. By comparing the experimental [mua = 0.3466(11) D and mub = 1.704(26) D] and theoretical [mua = -0.339 D and mub = -1.701 D] dipole moment components, a very good agreement has been found.