Reactions of gold atoms with nitrous oxide in excess argon: a matrix infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study.

Reactions of laser-ablated Au atoms with N(2)O molecules in excess argon have been investigated using matrix-isolation infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation. On the basis of isotopic shifts, mixed isotopic splitting patterns, CCl(4)-doping experiments, and the comparison with theoretical calculations, the absorption at 2047.5 cm(-1) is assigned to the OAuNN(-) anion, and the absorption at 1512.3 cm(-1) is assigned to the AuNO(-) anion, respectively. No evidence is found for the formation of new neutral and cationic products in the present experiments. It is predicted that the OAuNN(-) anion is a linear singlet molecule and the AuNO(-) anion is a bent doublet molecule. The agreement between the experimental and calculated vibrational frequencies, relative absorption intensities, and isotopic shifts supports the identifications of these species from the matrix infrared spectra. Plausible reaction pathways have also been discussed for the formation of these products.