ESR Study of Line Position and Width in γ-Irradiated Polycrystalline Globular GeCl4. Structure and Motion of the GeCl3 Radical

After $\gamma$ irradiation of polycrystalline globular GeCl₄, an ESR spectrum is obtained consisting of 10 line groups. From this pattern, the line position and width, and with the help of the equations of Kivelson and Wilson, it has been possible to determine the structure and the motion of the GeCl₃ radical in a GeCl₄ matrix. The results point to a pyramidal configuration with a possible rotational $\frac{2}{3}\pi$ motion around Ge–Cl bonds. Correlation times, an activation energy value for this motion, and $g_{\Vert }$ and $\mathrm{g\perp }$ values could be computed.