The first combined in situ FTIR and EXAFS study of a matrix isolated molecule

Abstract

The results of a combined matrix isolation IR and EXAFS study on methylene bromide (CH 2Br 2) isolated in argon are described and it is demonstrated that data of acceptable quality from both techniques may be obtained from the same sample. The IR data are in excellent agreement with literature values and confirm that matrix isolated samples may be routinely obtained with the novel window arrangement employed. The EXAFS data lead to intramolecular bonded and non-bonded distances ( d(BrC)=1.95(2) Å, d(Br··Br)=3.19(3) Å) in agreement with microwave and electron diffraction data and additionally an interaction with the argon matrix is observed with d (Br⋯Ar) ≈ 3.75 Å consistent with the sum of the van der Waals radii of Br and Ar.