INFRARED STUDIES OF RARE-EARTH SULFATES (4000-80 CM-1)

The hydrates and the anhydrous salts of the rare-earth sulfates were studied by infrared techniques from 4000-80 cm-1. The environment of the sulfate group was followed as the hydrates were dehydrated. The change occurring in the symmetry of the sulfate group is discussed in terms of water effects and coordination to the metal. From deuteration studies, the various librational modes of coordinated water to rare-earth metals have been assigned for the first time.