Notes. Infrared and Raman spectra of some bis(thiocyanato)cuprate(I) and bis(thiocyanato)aurate(I) complexes

Abstract

The complexes [AsPh₄][M(SCN)₂], [N(PPh₃)₂][M(SCN)₂](M = Cu^I or Au^I), and [NBu₄][Au(SCN)₂] have been prepared and studied by i.r. and Raman spectroscopy. The vibrational spectra indicate that the copper compounds do not contain discrete [Cu(SCN)₂]^– ions, although these are probably present in solutions of the above copper complexes, and in NaSCN–CuSCN solutions. The copper n.q.r. frequencies of [N(PPh₃)₂][Cu(SCN)₂] lie in the region expected for digonal or trigonal co-ordination of copper. The vibrational spectra of the gold compounds indicate discrete [Au(SCN)₂]^– ions. The vibrational frequencies of [Au(SCN)₂]^– are very similar to those of the isoelectronic Hg(SCN)₂ molecule.