The nitrosyl complexes of cupric compounds

Abstract

Gaseous nitric oxide reacts with copper compounds to give nitrosyl complexes under a very restricted range of conditions. No solid cupric compound undergoes reaction, but cupric sulphate dissolved in concentrated sulphuric acid, and cupric chloride or bromide dissolved in a range of organic solvents have been reported to absorb nitric oxide, giving blue-violet solutions. These solutions are sensitive to air and to moisture, and no stable complex has been isolated from them Literature reports as to their compositions are conflicting, and little evidence has been advanced as to the constitutions of the coloured products. This work has been undertaken in order to settle the stoichiometric composition of the complexes, and to elucidate their constitutions.