Infrared matrix isolation study of the 1:1 molecular complex of OVCl3 with (CH3)2O

The 1:1 complex of OVCl(3) with (CH(3))(2)O has been isolated in argon matrices at 14 K, and characterized by infrared spectroscopy. The complex is relatively strongly bound, with significant shifts to vibrational modes of both the acid and base subunits in the complex. For example, the OC(2) symmetric stretch of (CH(3))(2)O shifted from 925 to 891 cm(-1) upon complex formation, while the VCl(3) antisymmetric stretching mode shifted from 505 to 474 cm(-1). Product identification and band assignments were confirmed by isotopic labeling. Attempts to convert the initial 1:1 complex into secondary intermediates by either thermal or photochemical processes were unsuccessful, suggesting that an active hydrogen atom is a key element in determining the pathway for reactions of OVCl(3).