E.S.R. spectra of matrix isolated alkali atom clusters

Abstract

E.S.R. spectra assigned to Na₃ molecules have been obtained by codepositing sodium atoms and diluent argon on a sapphire surface loosely coupled to a liquid helium cryostat and warmed by a heat leak, to allow aggregation before the alkali atoms are frozen into the argon matrix. The trimer spectra under these conditions were much more intense than the residual atom spectra. The trimer spectra indicate the unpaired electron in these molecules has predominantly s rather than p character. Approximately 95 per cent of the 3s spin density is equally distributed between two of the alkali atoms, with only about 7 per cent of the spin density on the third atom. The trimers thus are not merely van der Waals adducts but involve chemical bonding. Both a covalent molecular orbital model for linear or obtuse isosceles geometry and an ionic charge-transfer model giving M₂ ⁺M^- or M⁺M₂ ^- appear qualitatively consistent with the spectra.