INFRARED SPECTRA OF DIBORON TETRAHYDROXIDE B$sub 2$OH AND BORON MONOXIDE (BO)x

Infrared spectra for B/sub 2/(OH)/sub 4/(OD)/sub 4/ and (BO)/sub x/, were developed in order to determine the frequency and character of the B- B bond. Wide absorption bands of a white and brown modification of (BO)/sub x/ are assumed to be polymer modifications of boron monoxide. Similarity of the brown boron monoxide spectrum with boron anhydride spectrum suggests that the brown modification is the mixture of boron anhydride and boron. Comparison of absorption spectra for diboron tetrahydroxide dehydrated in a vacuum at 600 to 650 deg and of boron anhydride mixture heated at the same temperature showed that both spectra are identical and confirm the postulation that the brown modification represents a mixture of boron anhydride and boron. (R.V.J.)