Gas phase ion molecule reactions involving the formation of metal to carbon bonds

Abstract

Results of an ion cyclotron resonance study of the gaseous ion chemistry observed in mixtures of alkyl halides and transition metal complexes are reported. Two different types of processes give rise to metalcarbon bonds. From observation of the process M + + CH 3X→ MCH 3 + + X limits on gas phase metalcarbon bond strength are inferred: 68 kcal/mol > D(M +CH 3)>56 kcal/mole for M = Fe, Co. Limits on several metal ionolefin bond strengths are inferred from HX elimination reactions. Reactions of propyl and allyl cations with Co(CO) 3NO and Fe(CO) 5 are also described.