Basic halides and related species of molybdenum(III). II. Spectroscopic and magnetic properties of MoOF(H2O)3 and MoOCl(H2O)3

Abstract

Two basic halides of molybdenum(111), namely MoOF(H2O)3 and MoOCl(H2O)3 (some samples containing additional loosely bound water), were investigated by absorption spectroscopy in the range 200-50000 cm-1, and by magnetic susceptibility measurements over a temperature range of 100-300 K. Infrared spectra showed bands at about 670 and 1600 cm-l, but not in the range 800-1100 cm-1. Electronic spectra showed poorly defined bands superimposed on strong general absorption. Very weak paramagnetism was observed: this was field dependent. The results are interpreted to show the compounds to be oxygen-bridged polymers [MOX(H2O)3O]n, rather than species containing Mo=O or Mo-0-H groups.