The diamagnetic susceptibilities of some beryllium compounds

Abstract

The investigation of the molecular structure of organic beryllium compounds is being studied by one of us (W. R. A.) from the standpoint of their infra-red absorption spectra. During a mechanical defect in the infra-red apparatus the diamagnetic susceptibilities of basic beryllium acetate, propionate, and pivalate, and of beryllium acetylacetonate were measured in order to obtain further physical data on the structure of these molecules. The susceptibilities were measured on a Curie-Chéneveau magnetic torsion balance by the method previously described by Farquharson. Measurements were made at 18° C. The compounds were finely powdered in an agate mortar and packed tightly into a small graduated glass tube of very slight susceptibility. Packing of solids is most important in diamagnetic susceptibility measurements. In­ efficient packing leads to values of the specific susceptibility much lower than the true value. This diminution results from the fact that the volume of solid is virtually diminished by air spaces and a volume correction should be applied.