Matrix isolation studies on reactions of metal atoms. The characterisation of Cu(O2)2 and Cr(O2)2

Abstract

When copper or chromium vapour is condensed in low temperature matrices containing a few mole % oxygen, several new i.-r. bands may be observed. This paper shows, through the use of ¹⁸O substitution, that one species common to both systems is the bis-superoxide molecule M(O₂)₂; the structure of this species is discussed in the light of other metal superoxide complexes.