Interaction of hydroxamates with Malachite

Abstract

The interaction of alkyl hydroxamate in 0.1 M KOH with a malachite or azurite mineral surface has been investigated using Raman spectroscopy. Cupric hydroxamate was detected on the mineral surface following exposure in aerated solutions. Gold film coating or colloid deposition was not successful in the enhancement of spectra from the exposed mineral surfaces. Surface enhanced Raman scattering was obtained from roughened gold electrodes or gold colloid particles exposed to aerated hydroxamates. These spectra exhibit potential dependent formation of a species with a carbon nitrogen triple bond, indicative of oxidative decomposition of the hydroxamate functional group.