Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study of the transition metal (Mn and Fe) dioxide–ethylene complexes

Abstract

The transition metal dioxide–ethylene complexes (η 2-C 2H 4)MnO 2 and (η 2-C 2H 4)FeO 2 have been prepared by the reactions of transition metal dioxide molecules (MnO 2 and FeO 2) with ethylene in solid argon The metal dioxide molecules were prepared by the reactions of laser-ablated metal atoms with dioxygen. The (η 2-C 2H 4)MnO 2 and (η 2-C 2H 4)FeO 2 complexes were characterized by matrix isolation infrared absorption spectroscopy as well as density functional calculations. Both complexes were predicted to have low spin ground states, having C 2v symmetry with the MC 2 plane perpendicular to the MO 2 plane.