Preparation, Infrared and Raman Spectra, and Stereochemistries of Pentacoordinate Trimethylphosphine Complexes, MX4•P(CH3)3 and MX4•P(CD3)3 where M = Ge or Sn and X = Cl or Br

Abstract

The 1:1 adducts MX4•PMe3 (M = Ge or Sn; X = Cl or Br) are prepared by recrystallization of the respective 1:2 complexes from excess MX4 acceptor. Solid state infrared and Raman Spectra and X-ray powder photographs suggest that these adducts are all trigonal bipyramidal with the ligand in an axial position. Normal coordinate calculations in C3v symmetry (axial ligand) and Cs symmetry (equatorial ligand) support this assignment. The rather high ν(MP) frequencies indicate unusually strong metal–phosphorus donor bonds in these compounds.