Spectral and thermal studies of MgI2·8H2O

Abstract

In the present contribution special attention is paid to the spectroscopic and thermal characterization of MgI2·8H2O which is the stable hydrated form at room temperature. The infrared spectra of MgI2·8H2O and its deuterated analogues recorded at room and liquid nitrogen temperature are presented and interpreted. In the low-temperature diference infrared spectrum of the slightly deuterated analogue (≈5% D) at least four bands are found out of the expected five (at 2595, 2550, 2538 and 2495 cm−1) as a result of the uncoupled O–D oscillators in the isotopically isolated HOD molecules. Multiple bands are observed in the water bending region and only two bands of the HOH librational modes are found. For more precise and deep description of the processes occurring upon heating of MgI2·8H2O we have applied simultaneous TG/DTA/Mass spectrometry technique identifying the gases evolved during the thermal transformations. We have established that the thermal decomposition of MgI2·8H2O is a complex process that takes place in two main stages. In the first stage (between 120 and 275 °C) the salt undergoes a partial stepwise dehydration to MgI2·2H2O followed by a hydrolytic decomposition with formation of magnesium hydroxyiodide Mg(OH)1.44I0.56 accompanied with simultaneous release of H2O and HI. In the second stage Mg(OH)1.44I0.56 is completely decomposed to MgO with elimination of gaseous H2O, HI, I2 and H2. Infrared spectra of the annealed samples heated between 190 and 270 °C confirmed the formation of magnesium hydroxyiodide.