Thermoanalytical investigations on the decomposition of transition metal oxalate complexes using selective CO, CO₂ and H₂O monitors

Simultaneous TG, DTG, DTA measurements along with the continuous and selective monitoring of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and water evolved were carried out on K3[M(C2O4)3].3H2O-type transition metal complexes (whereM=Cr, Fe and Co). Based on the comparison of the recorded curves a detailed description of the decomposition mechanism was possible. In the case of the cobalt complex an exothermic process corresponding to modification of electron configuration is superimposed on the endothermic dehydration reaction.