Knowledge Bank

Matrix isolation experiments have been done with samples containing $F2$ and $X2$ in argon, or $Ar/X2$ and $Ar/F2$ deposited simultaneously from separate vacuum systems, where $X2=Cl2,Br2$, or $I2$. In experiments where both $F2$ and $Br2$ or $I2$ were mixed in one can, prior reactions resulted in deposition of a mixture of $XF,XF3$, and $XF5$ species, with the larger species favored with the heavier halogens. Mercury are photolysis of these matrices produced several new bands in the IR spectra, some assignable to the known $XF,XF3$ and $XF5$ species, indicating definite F atom migration within the matrix. New bands also appear on photolysis or on subsequent thermal cycling, which can be assigned to the new interhalogen species $XF2,X2F$, and $X2F2$.