Infrared and polarized Raman spectra of Cu(HSeO3)(2) . H2O single crys
tal have been recorded and analysed. The appearance of non-degenerate
Se-OH stretching vibrations in the alpha(xz) and alpha(yz) polarizatio
ns of Raman spectra indicate distortion of the HSeO3- ion in the Cu(HS
eO3)(2) . H2O crystal. The low wavenumber values obtained for the symm
etric and asymmetric stretching vibrations of the HSeO3- ion are consi
stent with the strong hydrogen bonding and the influence of Jahn-Telle
r distortion as predicted in X-ray diffraction data. The shifting of t
he stretching and bending vibrations of the hydroxyl groups and water
molecules from the free state values also confirms the strong hydrogen
bonding in this crystal. Broad bands observed for both stretching and
bending regions become sharp in the Raman spectrum recorded at 77 K.
A doublet appears for the Se-OH stretching mode at this temperature in
dicating the settling of protons in an ordered position and the absenc
e of intrabond proton tunnelling.