In recent years, at least two groups1,2have developed programmes for combined conformational and vibrational analysis of complicated molecular systems. A version of one of these systems2is currently being adapted for work on coordination complexes. In such work experimental data are needed, and they stem almost exclusively from x-ray structural determinations, and infrared spectra of solids. Most calculational schemes so far deal with isolated molecules, and as one objective of the calculations is to provide thermodynamic functions, which, as far as coordination complexes are concerned, are measured in aqueous solution, we consider it necessary to compare some key properties of the substances as measured in the solid state and in solution. In particular, we want to investi- gate the extent to which internal vibrations are independent of the surroundings of the complexion.