Matrix-isolation studies on the vaporisation of arsenic(V) oxide: the characterisation of molecular species As4On(n= 7–10) by infrared spectroscopy

Abstract

The vapour species produced on heating arsenic(V) oxide in vacuo have been isolated in low-temperature matrices, and examined by i.r. spectroscopy. Detailed studies reveal the existence of As₄O₆ and four higher oxides As₄O₇, As₄O₈, As₄O₉, and As₄O₁₀ which are characterised for the first time as stable molecular entities. Band assignments are proposed for several of the more intense absorptions, and the effects of ¹⁸O enrichment in the terminal AsO stretching region are interpreted on the basis of a restricted force-field analysis.