Single crystal polarized Raman and infrared spectra of the series Na-5[MO2][X] with M = Co-I, Ni-I, and Cu-I and X = S2- and CO32-, are reported. All phonon modes are assigned to the lattice eigenmodes based on the group theory analysis and first principles lattice dynamics calculations. The energies of the fundamental symmetric and asymmetric vibrations of the [MO2](3-) complex are discussed on the basis of their electronic structure and variation in M-O interatomic distances. Electronic Raman scattering and luminescence are observed for the magnetic members of the series (Co-I, d(8), and Ni-I, d(9)). Ligand field theory is employed to account for the electronic effects which originate from states split by spin-orbit coupling.