The Molecular Structure of Trimethylphosphine–Boron Triiodide as Studied by Gas-phase Electron Diffraction

Abstract

Abstract The molecular structure of trimethylphosphine-boron triiodide (CH3)3P·BI3 has been determined by means of gas-electron diffraction. The molecular parameters and their uncertainties were rg(B–I)=2.233±0.003 Å, rg(P–B)=1.947±0.011 Å, rg(C–P)=1.809±0.003 Å, rg(C–H)=1.094±0.008 Å, ∠IBI=111.6±0.3°, and ∠CPC=106.0±0.5°. The gaseous molecule was rigid with respect to the rotational vibration around the P–B bond.