The Raman and Ultraviolet Absorption Spectra of Some Metal Carbonyls and Alkyls

The Raman spectra of nickel carbonyl, iron pentacarbonyl, lead tetramethyl, and lead tetraethyl and the ultraviolet absorption spectra of nickel carbonyl, lead tetramethyl and lead tetraethyl have been studied. The symmetry number of nickel carbonyl has been calculated. The vibrations of a mechanical model of a plane XY4 molecule have been studied. The correlation of the observed Raman lines with modes of vibration is discussed. It is concluded, from the observed spectrum and the vibrations shown by the mechanical model, that nickel carbonyl has a plane rather than a tetrahedral structure.