Structure and reactivity of transition-metal complexes with polyatomic ligands. Part VII. Infrared and electron spin resonance studies of the effect of irradiation on hexacyanoferrate(II) complexes in alkali-metal halide matrices: evidence for the formation of an iron(I) complex

Abstract

Infrared and e.s.r. spectra of γ- and ultraviolet irradiated hexacyanoferrate(II) ions in alkali-metal halide matrices are reported. New infrared bands around 1950 cm.^–1 are attributed to an Fe(I) complex. This is supported by the depression of the F-band in the γ-irradiated samples containing the complex compared with those of pure halide samples. The e.s.r. spectra are also compatible with an Fe(I) complex, but show evidence for a novel distortion, hyperfine structure from only one nitrogen atom being observed. Possible mechanisms for the distortion are discussed.