REACTION OF F-ATOMS WITH METHANE IN AN ARGON MATRIX

A microwave discharge through an Ar:CF4 or Ar:NF3 sample flowing through an Al2O3 tube provides a suitable source of F atoms for studies of the infrared spectra of the products of their reaction with CH4 trapped in an argon matrix at 14 K. Prominent infrared absorptions of isolated CH3 and HF appeared in these experiments. The further reaction of F atoms in the solid deposit leads to the stabilization of the H3C|HF complex, for which two infrared absorption have been identified. Detailed isotopic studies of this complex are presented. Secondary reaction of F atoms with CH3 isolated in solid argon leads to the stabilization of CH3F, while the corresponding reaction with H3C|HF leads to the appearance of the H3CF|HF complex, for which isotopic data are also presented. © 1979.