Some reactions of graphite ferric chloride

Abstract

This thesis is the result of an investgation into the chemistry of ferric chloride intercalated ina graphite lattice. Very little work has been done on the chemistry of intercalated species, attention being concentrated more on formation of such compounds and their physical properties. Of the molecular intercalation compounds, graphite ferric chloride is by far the most studied; it was the first compound of this type to be prepared, and its crystal structure is known. Accordingly, it was selected as a starting material, as it was an easily prepared and examined compound. As graphite is opaque to electromagnetic radiation in the far infra-red to high ultraviolet region, the only methods of examining intercalates in situ have been x-ray and electron diffraction. However, as the compound contained iron, MOSSBAUER spectroscopy was readily applicable, and allowed estimates of electron density, spin-spin interaction and electric and magnetic field gradients to be made. The magneto-chemistry was also studied. Chemical analysis proved to be relatively imprecise as the severe conditions necessary to destroy the graphite lattice altered and drove off the intercalated species.