Nanochemistry:  Iron Cluster Reactions with Methyl Iodide

Abstract

Previous experiments have shown that the ionization/dissociation of iron pentacarbonyl clusters can lead to the formation of iron ions and iron cluster ions and that these species can further react with dopant molecules to yield chemically rearranged products. The present experiments characterize similar reactions with methyl iodide molecules and clusters. Heteroclusters of the form [Fe(CO) 5 ] m (CH 3 I) n Ar p are created in an expanding supersonic jet of the component molecules. Following ionization by a 30 ps, 266 nm laser pulse, extensive dissociation, aggregation, and chemical rearrangement occur leading to ionic products which are characterized by mass spectrometry. Cluster ions of the type Fe m I n + , Fe(CH 3 I) n + , and FeI m (CH 3 I) n + are observed as products. The stability of the binary parent ion Fe(CH 3 I) + is demonstrated for the first time.

Mass spectrometric and charge density studies of organometallic clusters photoionized by gigawatt laser pulses

“…Alternatively, gas phase clusters which are aggregates of atoms/molecules are used as medium for laser–matter interaction studies. These clusters possess solid/liquid like density and allow the experimentalist to simulate the isolated nanoscale condensed phase conditions using sophisticated experimental tools that are accessible for gas phase experiments (McCarter et al, ; Feigerle, Bililign, & Miller, ). In this regards, time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer has been widely used to probe different aspects of laser–cluster interaction.…”