The low-dimensional s=1/2 compound (NO)[Cu(NO3)3] has recently been suggested
to follow the Nersesyan-Tsvelik model of coupled spin chains. Such a system
shows unbound spinon excitations and a resonating valence bond ground state due
spin frustration. Our Raman scattering study demonstrates phonon anomalies as
well as the suppression of a broad magnetic scattering continuum for
temperatures below a characteristic temperature, T<T*=100K. We interpret these
effects as evidence for a dynamical interplay of spin and lattice degrees of
freedom that might lead to a further transition into a dimerized or
structurally distorted phase at lower temperatures.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figure