Abstract
Clathratelike structures of the alkali metal ions M + = Li +, Na +, K + Cs +, and ammonium with water molecules have been investigated with laser induced liquid beam ionization/desorption (LILBID) mass spectrometry. The LILBID process implies the desorption of ions from a thin jet of supercooled water in high vacuum by means of an IR laser pulse. Magic numbered water clusters are observed in the cation mass spectra of K + and Cs + halides, but not for Li + and Na +. Predominant cluster sizes for K + (H 2O) n are n = 16, 20, 25, 27, and for Cs +(H 2O) n , n = 18, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, with the highest signal intensity for n = 20. Water clusters of this size correspond to deformed dodecahedral cage structures (clathrates) with a cation in the cavity, which are known to exist in the gas phase and in the solid state. The possible occurrence of clathratelike clusters in the liquid phase is discussed in the context of the physical chemistry of electrolyte solutions and the LILBID experiment.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
