Photoemission and X-ray Absorption Investigation of Ammonia-Borane in the Gas Phase

The electronic structure of ammonia-borane (NH3BH3) has been investigated by using valence and core photoelectron spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy at the nitrogen and boron K edges. The first two valence ionic states display vibronic structure, in agreement with the published results for the first ionic state. Analysis of the vibrational frequency of the second state yields an assignment which is consistent with the calculated molecular orbital character reported in the literature. The energies of the valence ionic states are in good agreement with recent calculations. More accurate experimental core-level binding energies, compared with older values, are provided and are in very good agreement with recent calculations. The near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectra display a vibronic structure, and the values of the vibrational energies are analyzed to assign the resonance structure.