A new route to matrix isolated iron atoms

Abstract

Iron atoms have been produced by u.-v. photolysis of [Fe(CO)₅] in nitrogen, argon and methane matrices at 20 K. First derivative ultra-violet spectra have greatly reduced the effects of light scattering by the matrix, and have increased the ease of detection. The changes in the spectra caused by warming the matrices provide extra information for the assignment of the bands in matrix spectra of iron atoms. The mechanism of atom formation is discussed.