Mode of ionisation in molten phosphorus oxyhalide–gallium halide complexes

Abstract

Phase studies show that gallium tribromide forms a 1 : 1 complex with phosphorus oxychloride which melts congruently at 111·2°. At the melting point the specific conductivity is within the range of values shown by similar gallium trihalide adducts. This is indicative of ca. 1% dissociation into ions in the molten phase. ³¹P N.m.r. studies on samples which have been melted and then dissolved in benzene show only a single peak at – 29·2 p.p.m. (H₃PO₄ external standard). Possible ionic mechanisms are discussed.