Matrix Isolation Studies of Group IV Oxides. II. Infrared Spectra and Structures of GeO, Ge2O2, Ge3O3, and Ge4O4

Abstract

The vapor-phase germanium oxides GeO, Ge2O2, and Ge3O3 have been isolated in nitrogen and argon matrices. In a nitrogen matrix, infrared absorptions are observed at 973.4 (74Ge16O); 667.0, 599.0 (Ge216O2); 824, and 440 cm−1 (Ge316O3). A fourth species, Ge4O4, is formed on diffusion, and gives infrared absorptions at 553.3, 490.0, 476.0, and 457.5 cm−1. With the aid of 18O substitution, estimates are obtained for the molecular dimensions of these species: Ge2O2 (Vh symmetry), rGe–O = 1.87 Å, ∠OGeO = 83°; Ge3O3 (D3h symmetry), RGe–O = 1 85 Å, ∠OGeO = 100°. The concentration changes occurring on diffusion are investigated.