The structure of the water–hydrogen peroxide complex. A matrix isolation study

Abstract

The infrared spectrum of the water–hydrogen peroxide complex was studied in argon matrices. The complex is cyclic, with each molecule acting both as a hydrogen bond donor and a hydrogen bond acceptor. The assignment is supported by experiments with combinations of completely and partially deuterated hydrogen peroxide and water. The water–hydrogen peroxide complex is slowly decomposed when irradiated with 266 nm radiation. When the D₂O–H₂O₂ complex is irradiated, H₂O–D₂O₂ forms and ice ersa.