Microwave Spectrum, Structure, and Hyperfine Constants of Kr-AgCl: Formation of a Weak Kr-Ag Covalent Bond

The pure rotational spectrum of the complex Kr-AgCl has been measured between 8-15 GHz using a cavity pulsed-jet Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. The complex was found to be linear and relatively rigid, with a Kr-Ag bond length of approximately 2.641 Å. The Kr-Ag stretching frequency was estimated to be 117 cm(-1). Ab initio calculations performed at the MP2 level of theory gave the geometry, vibration frequencies, Kr-Ag bond dissociation energy, and orbital populations. The Kr-Ag bond dissociation energy was estimated to be approximately 28 kJ mol(-1). The Kr-Ag force constant and dissociation energy are greater than those of Ar-Ag in Ar-AgCl. The chlorine nuclear quadrupole coupling constants show slight changes on complex formation. Ab initio orbital population analysis shows a small shift in sigma-electron density from Kr to Ag on complex formation. The combined experimental and ab initio results are consistent with the presence of a weak Kr-Ag covalent bond. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.