The lattice vibrations of the ß-rhombohedral boron structure group are investigated in detail by group theory. IR spectra of pure ß-rhombohedral boron as well as of B: Mn, B: Fe, B: Cu, and B: Cu/Al are presented and discussed. In comparison with boron carbide most of the absorption bands can be associated with certain vibrations. The vibration frequencies are determined by application of the phenomenological theory of Waser and Pauling, which thus yields a reliable estimation of the restoring forces ion these solides