Electron diffraction study of the trichloromethyltrichlorogermane molecular structure and estimation for torsional barrier

The molecular geometry (in terms of r_a and r_g internuclear distances) and mean amplitudes of vibration of CCl₃GeCl₃ have been determined by electron diffraction. The bond lengths are similar to those found in analogous molecules. Although bond angles of unambiguous physical definition have not been determined it is established that the carbon and germanium bond configurations deviate little from the regular tetrahedral arrangement. The molecule performs large amplitude motion around the carbon-germanium bond. The torsional barrier was estimated to be 1.1 kcal mole^?1 using J. Karle's method 8].