Metal Monochloride Emitters in Pyrotechnic Flames — Ions or Neutrals?

Barry Sturman

ABSTRACT: Twelve English-language books on pyrotechnics were surveyed for the authors’ views on the nature of the metal monochlorides that are associated with the emission of colored light in pyrotechnic flames. Three of the ten authors stated that the emitters were metal chloride ions (MCl+), five that they were neutral metal chloride molecules (MCl), and two took no clear position. A study of the references cited in these books establishes that the emitters are neutral monochlorides. The idea that they are MCl+ ions is traced to a book published in 1965, which cited only one reference (published in 1949), and that reference clearly stated that the emitters are neutral molecules.

Keywords: colored flame, emitter, spectra, monochloride, ion, neutral


Ref: JPyro, Issue 19, 2004, pp1-13
(J19_1)

© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd



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