Infrared spectrum of Hg(OH)2 in solid neon and argon

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ic048673w

Mercury(II) hydroxide molecules have been prepared upon mercury arc lamp irradiation of Hg, H₂, and O₂ mixtures in solid neon and argon. The strongest three infrared absorptions are identified through isotopic substitution (D₂, HD, ¹⁸O₂,¹⁶O ¹⁸O) and comparison to frequencies from DFT calculations. The isolated Hg(OH)₂ molecule is stable and has a linear O-Hg-O linkage in a C₂ structure with an 86° dihedral angle. However, in aqueous solution Hg²⁺ and 2OH^- may form an Hg(OH)₂ intermediate, which eliminates water and precipitates solid HgO: The solid Hg(OH)₂ compound is not known.