Matrix reactions of lithium atoms with N2O: Infrared spectra of LiO and Li2O

Simultaneous matrix deposition of Li atoms and N2O at high dilution in nitrogen has produced new infrared absorptions which show appropriate lithium and oxygen isotopic shifts for vibrational assignment to the high temperature molecules LiO and LiOLi, which were observed in earlier evaporative studies. The identification of LiO and LiOLi was confirmed in mixed isotopic experiments. Isotopic assignments to ν3 of Li2O in nitrogen matrices provide data for calculations of the Li–O–Li bond angle which are consistent with a linear molecule, in agreement with the electric deflection and earlier infrared work on Li2O.