Matrix isolation

Matrix isolation is an experimental technique used in <a href="/facts/Chemistry/SrNqkGVm">chemistry</a> and <a href="/facts/Physics/a7aH2y08">physics</a>. It generally involves a material being trapped within an unreactive matrix. A host matrix is a continuous <a href="/facts/Solid_phase/NkHXDdN3">solid phase</a> in which guest particles (atoms, molecules, ions, etc.) are embedded. The guest is said to be isolated within the host matrix. Initially the term matrix-isolation was used to describe the placing of a <a href="/facts/Chemical_species/A8BxM3oW">chemical species</a> in any unreactive material, often <a href="/facts/Polymers/eF32E50K">polymers</a> or <a href="/facts/Resins/r1uVThQ8">resins</a>, but more recently has referred specifically to <a href="/facts/Gas/hVVAoodV">gases</a> in <a href="/facts/Cryogenics/cw7dHAkp">low-temperature</a> solids. A typical matrix isolation experiment involves a guest sample being diluted in the gas phase with the host material, usually a <a href="/facts/Noble_gas/j0yHMEAE">noble gas</a> or <a href="/facts/Nitrogen/Nf1QpGDz">nitrogen</a>. This mixture is then deposited on a window that is cooled to below the melting point of the host gas. The sample may then be studied using various <a href="/facts/Spectroscopy/mj71FuNK">spectroscopic</a> procedures.

Matrix isolation open-in-new

Matrix isolation