Vacuum-Ultraviolet Photolysis of GeCl4, HGeCl3, and H2GeCl2; The Matrix-Isolated Infrared Spectra of GeCl3 and GeCl2

Abstract

The vacuum‐ultraviolet photolysis of HGeCl₃ and GeCl₄ has resulted in evidence suggesting the stabilization of GeCl₃ in argon, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide matrices at 4°K. Dichlorogermane photolysis has led to the stabilization and isolation of GeCl₂. Additional evidence has been obtained for H‐atom photodetachment resulting in the isolation of a GeCl₃ species having two stretching frequencies, and therefore is pyramidal in shape. A normal coordinate calculation using a four‐constant valence potential function suggests that the angle between the threefold symmetry axis and any of the GeCl bonds is approximately 73° (Cl–Ge–Cl angle, 111°), slightly greater than the ${\mathrm{sp}}^3$ hybridization angle.