Gas-phase molecular structure of bis(difluorophosphino)amine, determined by electron diffraction

Abstract

The molecular geometry of bis(difluorophosphino)amine, NH(PF₂)₂, in the gas phase has been studied by electron diffraction. Principal parameters are: r_a(P–F) 158.4(3), r_a(P–N) 168.4(8) pm; FPF 95.6(10), FPN 98.3(7), and PN P 122.1(7)°. Two conformers are present in the vapour at room temperature. The predominant form (72%) has almost C_2v symmetry, but the PF₂ groups are twisted 5°away from most symmetrical positions. In the less abundant form, one PF₂, group is twisted by 60° from the C_2v position but the other only by 5°.