Laboratory spectroscopy of 1, 2-propanediol at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths

Context. Ethanediol is one of the largest complex organic molecules detected in space thus far. It has been found in different types of molecular clouds. The two propanediol isomers are the next larger diols. Hence, they are viable candidates to be searched for in space. Aims. We wish to provide sufficiently large and accurate sets of spectroscopic parameters of 1, 2-propanediol to facilitate searches for this molecule at millimeter and longer submillimeter wavelengths. Methods. We recorded rotational spectra of 1, 2-propanediol in three wide frequency windows between 38 and 400 GHz. Results. We made extensive assignments for the three lowest energy conformers to yield spectroscopic parameters up to eighth order of angular momentum. Conclusions. Our present data will be helpful for identifying 1, 2-propanediol at moderate submillimeter or longer wavelengths with radio telescope arrays such as ALMA, NOEMA, or EVLA. In particular, its detection with ALMA in sources, in which ethanediol was detected, appears to be promising.