Codeposition generation of BeCl in an argon matrix at 12 K: An ESR investigation

The molecular radical BeCl has been produced by the codeposition of beryllium atoms and chlorine in an argon matrix at 12 K. An ESR investigation yields the following magnetic parameters: g∥ = 2.001 (1), g⊥ = 1.998 (1), A∥(Be) = 282 (2) MHz, A⊥(Be) = 268 (2) MHz, ‖A∥‖(35Cl) = 53 (2) MHz, and ‖A⊥‖(35Cl) = 24 (2) MHz. Spin densities obtained from the ESR results are compared with ab initio calculations. The calculations yield a dipole moment of 1.0 D for BeCl. These results for BeCl are compared with BeF, BeOH, and BeH. BeCl, unlike BeF, does not exhibit rotational behavior in an argon matrix.