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 $A^3{\mathrm{\Pi \hspace{0.17em}\leftarrow \hspace{0.17em}X}}^3\Pi$ transition which is analogous to the C₂ Swan bands. It was found that the ground state of BN in an Ne matrix is ${}^3\Pi$ . 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 ${\mathrm{\Delta G}}_{\text{1/2}}$ in the upper state in Ne is 1288 cm⁻¹ which, within experimental error, is identical with the gas‐phase value.