The Fourier transform infrared spectrum of the boron trifluoride–nitrous oxide complex

The Fourier transform infrared spectra of boron trifluoride and nitrous oxide, co-deposited in nitrogen and argon matrices at cryogenic temperatures, have been recorded. Concentration and temperature cycling experiments have established the existence of a 1:1 molecular complex, the spectrum of which is consistent with a structure similar to that of BF₃.N₂O in the gas phase. The structure derived from the infrared spectrum is also consistent with the results of a series of ab initio molecular orbital calculations reported by us recently. The experimental wavenumbers and complex-monomer wavenumber shifts compare reasonably well, by and large, with those predicted by the ab initio calculations.