Structural study of chlorine pentafluoride in the condensed phases
Raman spectra of chlorine pentafluoride have been investigated in the condensed phases between room temperature and 4 K. X-Ray and neutron diffraction patterns were also recorded. The three solid phases previously described by nmr measurements have been characterised. Solid 1(161 K < T < 181 K) is body-centered cubic with a = 5.7 Å; its Raman spectrum is quite comparable with that of the liquid. Solid II (117 K < T < 161 K) is orthorhombic with a = 6.17 Å, b = 7.22 Å; c = 7.66 Å; according to the Raman spectra its structure seems to be similar to that of solid BrF5. The structure of solid III (T < 117 K) has not been determined; however, the vibrational spectra show that it is not very different from solid II.The analogy between the structures of the tri- and pentafluorides of chlorine and bromine is discussed.