Analysis of the Symmetry of Crystal Packing Forces by Methyl Proton Tunneling: A Strategy for the Unambiguous Assignment of the Magnetic Jahn – Teller Effect in Molecules

Intrinsic and extrinsic forces behind the distortion in metal atom clusters can be readily distinguished provided that the clusters are embedded in a suitable ligand environment and that the tunneling of the protons in the peripheral ligands is then analyzed by inelastic neutron scattering. For the Cr₃O(OOCCH₃)₆(H₂O)₃]Cl?6 H₂O model system studied, the tunneling process is very sensitive to the local environment. Thus a tool is available to allow a better assessment of the cause of structural distortions.