Article

Abstract

Pressure-tuning infrared and Raman spectroscopic studies were performed on (2,2'-bipyridine)tetracarbonyl-chromium(0), Cr(CO)4(bpy). Previous bpy ring mode assignments were confirmed with new assignments offered by examination of the pressure-induced alterations in the vibrational spectra. The electron-density distribution of the bipyridyl ligand (and consequently, the electron-donating ability to the central metal) is modulated by the application of pressure. The pressure dependence of the carbonyl moieties reveals that the bipyridyl ligand can accommodate a significant portion of the molecular compressibility at higher pressures.Key words: infrared, Raman, pressure, Cr(CO)4(bpy), metal carbonyl.