The electronic spectra of coordinated nitrite ion: correlation between spectra and structure

Abstract

The characteristic electronic spectrum of the nitrite ion survives when the ion is bonded to metal ions through the oxygen atoms. The vibrational fine structure associated with the n → π* electronic transition in the near uv region has been examined at 10 K in single crystals of K3[Hg(O2N)4](NO3) and in a series of nickel complexes with N-alkylated ethylenediamines. When either non-coordinated, monodentate oxygen coordinating, or bidentate chelating through oxygen, nitrite ion in the crystals shows vibronic features which depend on nitrite environment. It is suggested that the electronic spectra of the nitrite ion may constitute a useful tool in structure elucidation.