Spectroscopic investigations in connection with the active modification of nitrogen. III.—Spectra developed by the tetrachlorides of silicon and titanium

Abstract

In previous papers by Profs. Strutt and Fowler, accounts were given of the spectrum of the afterglow of nitrogen, and of the spectra of various elements and compounds excited by the nitrogen. In the course of the latter investigation it was found that carbon compounds introduced into the afterglow developed, in general, the spectrum of cyanogen, the bands, however, undergoing a curious intensity modification as compared with the cyanogen bands produced by the carbon arc in air. The present paper is primarily an account of an investigation which has revealed the interesting fact that tetrachloride of silicon, when brought in contact with active nitrogen, produces a band spectrum of a nitride of silicon, as would be anticipated from the close resemblance of the elements silicon and carbon in their chemical behaviour. An account is also given of experiments on titanium tetrachloride in the afterglow, in which, however, no spectrum attributable to a nitride has been noted. The method of producing the afterglow was identical with that adopted in former work, and has been described fully by Prof. Strutt.