Electron diffraction determination of the molecular structures of difluoro(dimethyl) germane and trifluoro(methyl)germane in the vapour phase

Abstract

The molecular structures of the title compounds in the gas phase have been determined by electron diffraction. The analyses were based on the r_g interatomic distances. For Me₂GeF₂ principal parameters are: r_g(Ge–C) 1.928 ± 0.003 Å, r_g(Ge–F) 1.739 ± 0.002Å; F–Ge–F 105.4 ± 2.0°, F–Ge–C 107.3 ± 0.7°, and C–Ge–C 121.0 ± 3.5°. For MeGeF₃ principal parameters are: r_g(Ge–F) 1.714 ± 0.002, r_g(Ge–C) 1.904 ± 0.009 Å; F–Ge–F 105.5 ± 0.9°, and F–Ge–C 113.2 ± 0.6°(uncertainties estimated to include both systematic and random errors). Observed variations in r(Ge–F) and r(Ge–C) are correlated with estimated bond polarities.