Solid state NIR-FT-Raman and far IR spectra of K(2)MX(4) and [M(NH3)(4
)]Y-2 (where M = Pd(II) or Pt(II), X = Cl- or Br-, and Y = Cl- or NO3-
) from 100 to 700 cm(-1) are measured. The crystal structures of the s
amples are investigated by X-ray powder diffraction. Anhydrous compoun
ds with the general formula K(2)MX(4) have isomorphous structures with
the complex ions in a site symmetry of D-4h. Extra peaks found in the
Raman spectrum of a reddish brown form of K2PtBr4 are due to the pres
ence of some dihydrate K2PtBr4 . 2H(2)O, and not to crystalline K2PtBr
6. Based on the revised assignments of the bromo-compounds and reliabl
e frequency data for all compounds, the valence force constants (GVFF)
of the MX(4)(2-) (X = Cl-, Br-) ions, the M(NH3)(4)(2+) ions are calc
ulated and compared.