Tetrazete (N-4). Can it be prepared and observed?

The nitrogen plasma generated by microwave or electrical discharge in gaseo us N-2 was quenched on a cold window (6.2-35 K) and resulting matrix was ex amined by IR and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopies. In samples prepared with N-14(2) we observe a weak infrared transition at 936.7 cm(-1). It shifts t o 900.0 cm(-1) when N-15(2) is used. Both peaks do not correlate with any o ther features in the spectra and are best explained as originating from tet rahedral tetrazetes (N-4). Their positions are compatible with quantum chem ical estimates for N-14(4), at 936.0 cm(-1) and N-15(4), at 904.4 cm(-1). ( C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.