Infrared spectral studies and some reactions with common solvents of molybdenum oxide tetrachloride and molybdenum oxide trichloride

Abstract

The infrared spectrum of MoOCl4 in the gas phase has been observed over a wider frequency range than has been previously reported. The spectrum is consistent with that predicted for a vapour of monomeric molecules with a square pyramid structure. In inert solvents such as carbon tetrachloride or cyclohexane the same structure occurs, while in acetone and ether the spectra are more complex due to reaction of the oxide halide with the solvent. The reaction products have been determined from an analysis of the spectra together with gas-chromatographic analysis. Infrared spectra of chlorobenzene, acetone, and diethyl ether solutions of the oxide trichloride MoOCl3 are also reported and it is suggested that this substance is dimeric in the latter two solvents. Changes that occur in the carbon tetrachloride cyclohexane, and chloroform solution spectra of MoOCl4 when traces of water are added are described and discussed. It is tentatively proposed that an oxygen bridged dimer is formed.