Experimental Identification of the Ground State of BN in a Rare-Gas Matrix

Abstract

The free radical BN has been obtained in Ne and Ar matrices by photolyzing H3BNH3. The radical was identified by observing the A 3Π ← X 3Π transition which is analogous to the C2 Swan bands. It was found that the ground state of BN in an Ne matrix is 3Π. No significant vibrational perturbation was observed. The 0–0 band is at 27 931 and 27 721 cm−1 in Ne and Ar, respectively, compared with a gas-phase value of 27 776 cm−1. The value of ΔG1/2 in the upper state in Ne is 1288 cm−1 which, within experimental error, is identical with the gas-phase value.