The infrared spectra of rhenium and osmium oxide tetrachlorides in the gas phase, condensed phase, and in solution

Abstract

The infrared spectra of ReOCl₄ and OsOCl₄ have been measured in the gas phase, in the condensed phase, and in a variety of solvents. In the gas phase spectra the absorption band envelopes corresponding to the metal-oxygen stretching vibrations have been observed and the data are discussed in terms of possible square pyramidal or trigonal bipyramidal structures for the molecules. Evidence is presented showing that acetone and diethyl ether molecules will readily coordinate to these oxide tetrachlorides when dissolved in inert solvents. The effect of traces of water on the same solutions is also described and discussed. Both ReOCl₄ and OsOCl₄ react with the solvent if dissolved in acetone or diethyl ether and the possibility of the formation of the unknown oxide trichlorides is discussed.