High-resolution Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and analysis of the ν3 fundamental band of P4

We present the first high-resolution infrared absorption study of the ν3 fundamental of white phosphorus, P4. This spectrum has been analyzed using the STDS (Spherical Top Data System) software. The band center lies at 466.286 cm−1. With the approximation (Bζ)3=−B0/2, we found that the ground-state bond length is r0=219.58 pm. This value is consistent with that of ab initio studies reported previously but significantly different from a value obtained from a Raman study.