Matrix reactions of copper atoms and ozone molecules. Infrared spectrum of CuO

Abstract

The matrix reactions of copper atoms with ozone have been studied by infrared spectroscopy. Two products were found in the initial deposit: CuO3, which has a strong absorption at 802.3 cm−1, and CuO, which has its main feature, corresponding to the 63Cu16O isotopic species, at 628.0 cm−1 in solid argon. Copper atom reactions with oxygen-18-enriched ozone samples were used to obtain species identifications. The CuO3 absorption was very similar in frequency and isotopic splitting behavior to alkali and alkaline earth metal ozonide species previously studied in matrices. The CuO frequency is in good agreement with gas phase measurements which put the ground state CuO vibrational fundamental at 631.3 cm−1. Temperature cycling of the Cu–O3 matrices leads to CuO4 formation by the secondary reaction of CuO with unreacted ozone.