Observations on the electronic spectra of CuO, AgO and AuO isolated in rare gas matrices

Abstract

A simple method of preparation of the oxides CuO, AgO and AuO in rare gas matrices at low temperatures is described. Their electronic spectra in the visible and near ultraviolet regions have been photographed and assignments to the diatomic oxides confirmed by studies of the isotope effects between M¹⁶O and M¹⁸O. Correlations between the matrix and the gas phase spectra are discussed for CuO and AgO. A system of gaseous AuO is predicted with ν₀∼ 25 000, ω′∼ 600, ω″∼ 675 cm^–1.