Potential function for the ν7 vibration of phosphorus pentafluoride

Abstract
The gas phase Raman spectrum of the ν7 fundamental of PF5 has been observed under spectral resolutions approaching 1 cm−1. With the use of a two dimensional harmonic oscillator basis set and a potential function of the form V (ρ,φ) = (1/2) aρ2b cos(3φ) ρ3 + cρ4, an adequate fit to the ν7 region was obtained. The barrier to axial–equatorial fluorine atom interchange was estimated to be 1371 cm−1 (3.92 kcal/mole).