Abstract
The level scheme of
87Mo was investigated with the reaction
58Ni(
32S, 2pn) at projectile energies of 110–130 MeV and the reaction
40Ca(
50Cr, 2pn) at 170 MeV. Extensive spectroscopic information was collected including γγ and neutron-gated γγ coincidences as well as coincidences with identified
87Mo residues. Level lifetimes were studied with the RDDS and DSA methods. The angular distributions of low-lying transitions were measured. The results indicate a sudden transition from single-particle-like to collective behavior which is caused by
g
9
2
particle alignment. The level scheme was constructed up to 12 MeV excitation energy and a probable spin of
40
2
h
̵
.