Reactions of Laser Ablated Be Atoms with H2O: Infrared Spectra and Density Functional Calculations of HOBeOH, HBeOH, and HBeOBeH

Reactions of laser-ablated Be atoms and H 2 O molecules during condensation with excess argon at 10 K gave three new molecules. The direct insertion product HBeOH was characterized by matrix infrared observation of isotopic frequencies and density functional theory calculations. The major product, HOBeOH, was formed by reaction of water with BeO, made from HBeOH decomposition. Another product, HBeOBeH, was formed by the reaction of a second Be atom with HBeOH.