Basic halides and related species of molybdenum(III). II. Spectroscopic and magnetic properties of MoOF(H₂O)₃ and MoOCl(H₂O)₃

Abstract

Two basic halides of molybdenum(111), namely MoOF(H₂O)₃ and MoOCl(H₂O)₃ (some samples containing additional loosely bound water), were investigated by absorption spectroscopy in the range 200-50000 cm^-1, and by magnetic susceptibility measurements over a temperature range of 100-300 K. Infrared spectra showed bands at about 670 and 1600 cm^-l, but not in the range 800-1100 cm^-1. Electronic spectra showed poorly defined bands superimposed on strong general absorption. Very weak paramagnetism was observed: this was field dependent. The results are interpreted to show the compounds to be oxygen-bridged polymers [MOX(H₂O)₃O]_n, rather than species containing Mo=O or Mo-0-H groups.