Electrondiffraction investigation of structure of CsAlF4 and CsAlCl4 molecules

The electron diffraction investigation into the structure of CsAlF4 and CsAlCl4 molecules in the gaseous phase is carried out. The values of interatomic distances and mean square oscillation amplitudes are determined. The data obtained prove significant non-hardness of the molecules studied. The conclusion is made that the equilibrium configuration of the CsAlF4 molecule pertains to the Csub(2v)-symmetry group (the cesium atom is on the continuation of the perpendicular drawn from the centre of AlF4 tetrahedron on the rib); while the equilibrium configuration of the CsAlCl4 molecule pertains to the Csub(3v)-symmetry group (the cesium atom is on the continuation of the perpendicular drawn from the centre of tetrahedron on the rib)