Reactions of laser ablated rhodium atoms with nitrogen atoms and molecules. Infrared spectra and density functional calculations on rhodium nitrides and dinitrogen complexes

Laser ablated rhodium atoms mixed with pure N-2 and Ar/N-2 during condensation at 8-10 K produced and trapped several rhodium nitride products and rhodium dinitrogen complexes. The Rh-N vibrations of new product molecules were characterized by nitrogen 14/15 isotopic ratios and intensity patterns. RhN and NRhN were observed in both solid nitrogen and argon. Molecules containing two rhodium atoms, including Rh2N Rh2N2, and RhRhN, make an important contribution to the overall product yield. Density functional calculations provide support for the vibrational assignments.