BN molecules, isoelectronic with C-2, are produced by laser vaporization of boron nitride and trapped in solid neon. Through Fourier-transform absorption and laser-induced fluorescence spectra, three new electronic states are observed. Unlike C-2, BN has a triplet ground state (X (II)-I-3), but with an exceedingly low-lying singlet (a (1) Sigma(+)) state with 15 cm(-1)

Keywords:LASER-INDUCED FLUORESCENCE;BN