Matrix isolation
The matrix isolation is a method of detection of reactive molecules . These molecules are embedded in a matrix at a very low temperature in a low concentration and can thus be examined spectroscopically . Solid noble gas or solid nitrogen are mainly used as matrix material . The main spectroscopic techniques used are infrared spectroscopy and UV / VIS spectroscopy . Examples of reactive molecules are radical compounds , silaethene and cyclobutadiene .
The American chemist George C. Pimentel was a pioneer in the development of this technique .