Infrared spectra and density functional calculations for SMO2 molecules (M = Cr, Mo, W).

Infrared absorptions of the matrix isolated SMO2 (M = Cr, Mo, W) molecules were observed following laser-ablated metal atom reactions with SO2 during condensation in solid argon and neon. The symmetric and antisymmetric M-O stretching mode assignments were confirmed by appropriate S18O2 and S(16,18)O2 isotopic shifts. The much weaker Cr-S stretching mode was identified through its 34S shift. Density functional (B3LYP and BPW91) calculations were performed to obtain molecular structures and to reproduce the infrared spectra. Computed pyramidal structures for the SMO2 molecules are very similar to those for the analogous trioxides and this functional group in [MO2S(bdt)]2- complexes. Additional weaker absorptions are assigned to the (SO2)(SMO2) adducts, which are stabilized by a four-membered ring.