The diode-laser absorption spectrum of the nu(19a) band of the chlorobenzene molecule cooled in a supersonic jet is presented and transitions from low J, K(a), and K(c) values (0-14) are reported. The C(6)H(5)(35)Cl band center has been found at nu(0) = 1483.894 cm(-1) and rotational constants for the upper state have been determined from a least-squares fitting to experimental data. The band center for the C(6)H(5)(37)Cl isotope has also been obtained. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.