The Infrared Absorption Spectra of Deuteroxide Solutions in Deuterium Oxide

Abstract

The infrared aborption spectra of deuterium oxide and deuteroxide solutions in D2O have been measured in the region from 2.5μ to 9μ. Also solutions of Na2CO3 and K2CO3 in D2O have been studied in the same region. The spectra of deuterium oxide possess strong bands at 4.0μ and 8.2μ and the results agree with those of other workers. The absorption at 4.0μ is probably composed of several overlapping bands. Intense bands were observed in the NaOD solutions at 3.1μ, 4.95μ and 7.1μ. The hydrolyzing salts in D2O gave rise to bands in these regions, but with some shifts in wave-length. The changes in the spectra were probably caused by the absorption of the CO3 ion and D2CO3 which was formed in the solution. The relation of the absorption of NaOD in D2O to the absorption of NaOH in H2O is discussed. It is concluded that the OD ion has an absorption band at 3.1μ and that the bands at 4.95μ and 7.1μ are produced by hydration.