The molecular structure of the complex trimethylaluminium trimethylphosphane, (CH 3) 3AlP(CH 3) 3, determined by gas phase electron diffraction

Abstract

The molecular structure of (CH 3) 3AlP(CH 3) 3 has been determined by gas phase electron diffraction. The main molecular parameters are AlC = 1.973(3) Å, AlP = 2.53(4) Å, PC = 1.822(3) Å, / PAlC = 100.0(1.3)°, and / AlP C = 115.0(0.7)°. The AlC bond distance in the complex is significantly longer, and the CAlC valence angle significantly smaller than in free monomeric (CH 3) 3Al. The PC bond distance in the complex is significantly shorter and the / CPC valence angle significantly larger than in free P(CH 3) 3. All these changes are in the direction predicted by the valence shell electron pair repulsion model.