A spectroscopic and thermoanalytical study of the mineral hoganite

A comprehensive spectroscopic analysis consisting of Raman, infrared (IR) and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was undertaken on the newly discovered mineral hoganite (copper(II) acetate monohydrate (Cu(CH3COO)2·H2O)). Assignments of vibrational bands due to the acetate anion have been made in all three forms of spectroscopy. Thermal analysis of the mineral was undertaken to follow its decomposition under a nitrogen atmosphere. Two major mass loss steps at 90 and ∼220 °C were revealed. These mass losses correspond very well to firstly, the loss of a single water molecule, and then the loss of the acetate anion which quickly decomposes to form carbon dioxide and water.