Valence excitations observed in resonant soft X-ray emission spectra of K2Ni(CN)(4)center dot H2O at the Ni 2p edge

Resonant soft X-ray emission spectra have been measured at the Ni 2p edge o f a planar nickel complex K2Ni(CN)(4).H2O and interpreted by performing ah initio configuration interaction calculations. This cyano complex shows cha racteristic metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) bands in the Ni 2p photo absorption spectra. Resonant soft X-ray emission via the MLCT intermediate states can be interpreted as valence MLCT excitations within a one-electron picture. On the other hand, resonant soft X-ray emission via the intra-ato mic Ni 2p-3d intermediate state corresponding to the white line excitation shows significant electron correlation effects. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B .V. All rights reserved.