Structure Determination of NaCD3 Powders at 1.5 and 300 K by Neutron and Synchrotron–Radiation Diffraction

Both tetramers (right) as well as isolable ions are present in the structure of NaCH3. It therefore assumes an intermediate position between the structures of methyllithium and methyl compounds of the heavier alkali metals. Elucidation of the structure was accomplished by a combination of neutron and synchroton-radiation diffraction measurements on NaCD3 powders at 1.5 and 300 K. All methanide ions are trigonal-pyramidal and have a C-D distance of 109 pm and a D-CD angle of 106° (at 1.5 K).