Vibrational spectra of mercury(I) and mercury(II) acetate compounds

Abstract

Raman and i.r. spectra in the region below 400 cm −1 are reported for the compounds, Hg(OOCCH 3) 2, Hg(OOCCD 3) 2, Hg 2(OOCCH 3) 2, Hg 2(OOCCD 3) 2 and of a saturated sodium acetate solution containing dissolved Hg(OOCCH 3) 2. Spectra of Hg(OOCCH 3) 2 in aqueous solution are interpreted in terms of a covalent molecular model. There does not appear to be significant complexation of Hg(II) acetate by acetate in aqueous solution. Both HgHg and HgO stretching frequencies are reported for Hg 2(OOCCH 3) 2. The HgHg stretching frequency is correlated with data for other mercury(I) compounds. Vibrational spectra are also reported of compounds with the empirical formulation XHg(OOCCH 3), where X = CN and SCN. These spectra are interpreted on the basis of a valence force field approach, in terms of either a mixed molecular formulation XHg(OOCCH 3) or a mixed crystal formulation Hg X 2 . Hg(OOCCH 3) 2. The cyanide compound appears to be a genuine mixed molecule whereas the thiocyanate compound seems to be more appropriately described by the latter formulation.