Knowledge Bank

“Because X-ray diffraction $studies1$ have indicated that the cyanide ion may undergo hindered rotation in potassium cyanide and sodium cyanide, we have made a study of the infrared spectrum of the cyanide ion in a number of solids. Both the fundamental and first overtones of these salts were observed. In order to eliminate the effects of intermolecular interactions a studies was made of the spectra of solid solutions consisting of cyanide ions in various alkali halide host lattices. Results of a study of spectral variations over the temperature range from 5 to $300\circ K$ will be discussed. These variations may be interpreted as evidence of a hindered rotation.”