Matrix isolation of Mg\u3csub\u3e2\u3c/sub\u3e and Mg\u3csub\u3en\u3c/sub\u3e molecules in neon, argon, and nitrogen hosts

The Mg2 and Mgn molecules have been formed and studied in neon, argon, and nitrogen matrices at approximately 4-° and 12 K. Bands observed between 2000 and 3500 Ã… have been investigated as a function of gradual changes in trapping conditions and assigned to various stages of magnesium atom polymerization. The A1Σu+ -† X1Σg+ system of Mg2 relative to the gas exhibits a pronounced red shift which increases with the polarizability of the matrix host. A band at 2653 Ã… in argon was observed which can be tentatively assigned to another Mg2 system