Bonding in d10 transition metal complexes

Abstract

The infra red, Raman and nuclear quadrupole resonance (n.q.r) spectra of several complexes of copper(I), silver(I) and gold(I) are reported. These are interpreted in terms of the structures of the complexes and the various possible bonding schemes for these d10 transition elements. To interpret the n.q.r. spectra the contributions to the field gradient at the copper nucleus of the various orbitals in the copper atoms are calculated and the Townes and Dailey approximations are revaluated. From this the s-d mixing theory of Orgel is chosen as the most satisfactory description of the bonding in these complexes. This theory is extended to cover several other geometries besides the D∞h geometry for which it was originally derived.