Vibrational Spectrum and Structure of Metal-Cyanide Complexes in the Solid State. I. KAg(CN)2

Abstract

The infrared spectra of solid KAg(CN)₂ and the mono‐ and di‐substituted C¹³ and N¹⁵ species have been observed. The seven fundamental vibrations of the linear, symmetrical Ag(CN)₂^— ion have been assigned at 2146, 360, 2140, 390, 250, 310, and 107 cm^—1 for the species containing C¹² and N¹⁴. From the observed frequencies of the normal and isotopic species, force constants were calculated for two possible structures: N–C–Ag–C–N and C–N–Ag–N–C. It is shown that the latter structure gives unreasonable force constants, and that therefore the cyanides are probably bound to the silver through the carbon atom. Relative amplitudes of the atoms during the vibrations are shown.