Structure and permanent electric dipole of para-fluoroaniline in gaseous phase

By coupling a matrix assisted laser desorption source to an electric beam deflection setup, we have measured the permanent electric dipole moment of the isolated para-fluroaniline PFAN (FC 6 H 4 NH 2 ) molecule in the ground state. This measurement of the electric dipole of an isolated push-pull molecule is unique. The experimental value is compared to two different calculations and the structure of the system is discussed. Graphical abstract