Spectra and structure of gallium compounds: Part VI. Infrared and Raman spectra of trimethylgalliumtrimethylphosphine

The infrared (50–4000 cm^?1 ) and Raman (50–3500 cm^?1) spectra of (CH₃)₃GaP(CH₃)₃ have been recorded for the solid state at the temperature of boiling liquid nitrogen. The spectra have been interpreted on the basis of C_3v molecular symmetry and a complete vibrational assignment except for the methyl torsional modes is presented. A modified valence force field model has been utilized in calculating the frequencies and potential energy distribution. The calculated potential constants for the adducts are compared to those previously reported for the Lewis acid and the Lewis base moieties and the differences are shown to be consistent with structural changes upon adduct formation. Extensive coupling has been observed between the Ga-P stretching mode and the PtC₃ and GaC₃ deformational modes. Substantial coupling is also observed between the PC₃ and the GaC₃ rocking motions. The magnitude of the Ga-P stretching force constant is found to be much smaller (0.88 mdyn Å^?1) than that reported for (CH₃)₃PGaH₃ and the difference possibly reflects the relative stabilities of the donor-acceptor bond in the two complex species.The fact that none of the A, modes appear as doublets in the spectra, nor are any of the E modes split except for the GaC₃ antisymmetric stretch, which is believed to be due to the two isotopes of gallium, indicates that there is only one molecule per primitive cell sitting on a C_3v or C₃ site. A rhombohedral space group such as R3m(C⁵_3v) is consistent with these observations.