The Electron-Diffraction Investigation of the Structure of Molecules of Methyl Azide and Carbon Suboxide.

We have applied the electron-diffraction method of studying the structure of gas molecules, developed by Mark and Wierl and briefly described by us in a recent paper,' in the determination of the atomic configuration and interatomic distances in methyl azide and carbon suboxide molecules. The results of the investigation are given in the following paragraphs, together with a discussion of the information they provide regarding the electronic structure of these molecules. Methyl Azide.-Two distinct structural formulas have been proposed for methyl azide, CH3N3; in one the nitrogen atoms form a three-membered ring, and in the other an open chain. It is known that the azide ion has a linear configuration in crystals of sodium azide and potassium azide,2 but it has sometimes been contended that this configuration may not be retained in organic azides. Other methods of investigation have not led to a decision, the electric moment measurements, for example, being compatible with either structure.3 Our results show the azide group in methyl azide to be linear. Each of five electron-diffraction photographs of methyl azide shows only one apparent maximum within the 60 angular range allowed by the dimensions of the apparatus. This maximum is exceedingly sharp and distinct, and is susceptible to measurements of greater than the usual accuracy.