Molecular structure of F2POPF2: an electron diffraction study

The most important geometric parameters and associated uncertainties (2σ) determined for F₂POPF₂ are the distances (r_g) P-O = 1.631 ± 0.010 Å, P-F = 1.568 ± 0.004 Å, and angles POP = 135.2 ± 1.8°, OPF = 97.6 ± 1.2°, and FPF = 99.2 ± 2.4°. Amplitudes of vibration were also found. The large POP angle and relatively short P-O bond length are consistent with a significant degree of pπ-dπ bonding. Our structure interpretation differs from an earlier one reported by Arnold and Rankin in the relative P-O and P-F bond lengths and in the conclusion that the molecule exists in a distribution of not very rigid, probably staggered, conformers instead of one fairly rigid structure.