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 Rh 2 N, Rh 2 N 2, and RhRhN, make an important contribution to the overall product yield. Density functional calculations provide support for the vibrational assignments.