The infra-red (gas- and solid-phase) and Raman spectra of GeH3NCS and the infra-red gas-phase spectrum of GeD3NCS have been recorded. The assignment of the fundamentals is discussed and it is provisionally concluded that the molecule has a bent skeleton with a GeNC angle of about 156°.

The infra-red spectra of As(SiH3)3 and Sb(SiH3)3 in the vapour and the solid states have been observed in the range 250–4000 cm−1; the corresponding spectrum of liquid Sb(SiH3)3 is also reported, and the Raman spectra of liquid As(SiH3)3 and Sb(SiH3)3 at −60° have been obtained. The combined results provide evidence that the AsSi3 skeleton is planar, but do not make it possible to distinguish between the planar and pyramidal models for the SbSi3 skeleton.

The infra-red spectra of P(SiH3)3 and P(SiD3)3 in the gas phase have been observed in the range 250–4000 cm−1. The corresponding spectrum of P(SiH3)3 in the solid state is also reported. The Raman spectrum of liquid P(SiH3)3 at −60° has been obtained. The combined results provide evidence that the PSi3 skeleton is planar, like the NSi3 skeleton of trisilylamine.

G. Davidson, E. A. V. Ebsworth, G. M. Sheldrick and L. A. Woodward, Chem. Commun. (London), 1965, 122b DOI: 10.1039/C1965000122B