The infrared spectra of the solid phases in the system BeO-H₂O

Abstract

Chemical and structural information relating to the BeO-H₂O system is discussed and correlated. The infrared spectra of α, β, and amorphous Be(OH)₂ have been studied in the range 650 to 10,000 cm^-1. These show that the constitution of the three hydroxides is similar. The spectra are interpreted to arise from the coupled vibrations of Be(OH)₄ structural groups and from hydroxyl interactions. The hydroxyl vibrations are identified by spectroscopic shifts observed on partial deuteration and by means of spectroscopic-structural relations. Tentative assignments are made by comparing the spectra from BeO, Be(OH)₂, and other systems containing similar structural groups. The complex nature of the spectra is discussed.