Raman Spectra of Several Compounds Containing Phosphorus

Raman spectra of water solutions of NaH2PO2, KH2PO2, HPO3, NaPO3, K4P2O7, K2Na2P2O7, K2H2P2O7, and Na2H2P2O7 were photographed using a Hilger constant-deviation spectrograph. Illumination was provided by four Hanovia mercury lamps, the 4358A line being used as the exciting radiation. A system of liquid filters reduced the effect of the other mercury lines so that their presence was not objectionable. A Wollaston prism made possible the separation of the perpendicular and parallel components of the scattered radiation. Intensity and depolarization values were calculated from traces obtained by means of a Kipp and Zonen microphotometer. The Raman spectra of the NaH2PO2 and KH2PO2 solutions were identical, while those of the HPO3 and NaPO3 solutions differed markedly from each other. The spectra of the four pyrophosphate solutions were all similar in appearance, and their spectral lines showed similar relative intensities and depolarization values. Suggested models have been postulated.