Matrix isolation of the elusive fluorocarbonylsulfenyl fluoride molecule FC(O)SF

Abstract

The syn and anti conformers of the hitherto unknown fluorocarbonylsulphenyl fluoride, FC(O)SF, were formed through the photochemical reactions between OCS and F2 , isolated in solid Ar. The reactions were followed by FTIR spectroscopy, and the unknown products were detected by comparison the observed IR absorptions with their computed IR spectra. The reactions occur through a 1:1 molecular complex between OCS and F2 , forming the anti-FC(O)SF first, which subsequently transforms into the syn form, through a randomization process. At longer times of irradiation FC(O)SF decomposes by extrusion of a CO molecule with the concomitant formation of SF2 , and the formation of difluorophosgene molecule, O=CF2 . The migration of fluorine atoms in the matrixes is proposed to explain the formation of SF4 , and also SF6.