Gas phase ion chemistry in germane/ammonia,methylgermane/ammonia,and methylgermane/phosphine

Gaseous mixtures of germane or methylgermane with ammonia and methylgermane with phosphine have been studied by ion trap mass spectrometry. Rate constants of reactions of the primary ions and of the most important secondary ion species are reported, together with the calculated collisional rate constants and efficiencies of reaction. The GeH_n⁺ (n = 0–3) ions, formed by electron ionization of both GeH₄ and CH₃GeH₃, react with ammonia yielding, among others, the GeH_n⁺ (n = 2–4) ion family, which, in a successive and slow reaction with NH₃, only give the unreactive ammonium ion. Also, the CH₃GeH_n⁺ (n = 1, 2) species do not form Ge–N bonds, whereas secondary ions of germane, such as Ge₂H₂⁺, produce species containing germanium and nitrogen together. In the CH₃GeH₃/PH₃ mixture a great number of ions are formed with rather high rate constants from primary ions of both reagent molecules and from phosphorus containing secondary ions. GePH_n⁺ (n = 2–4) ions further react with methylgermane leading to cluster ions with increasing size such as Ge₂PH_n⁺ and Ge₂CPH_n⁺. The experimental conditions favoring the chain propagation of ions containing Ge and N, or Ge and P, with or without C, important in the chemical vapor deposition of materials of interest in photovoltaic technology, are discussed.     

Ion—molecule reactions in GeH4/SiH4 systems studied by ion trap mass spectrometry

Gas phase ion—molecule reactions occurring in GeH₄/SiH₄ systems under different partial pressures and their mechanisms have been investigated by ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS). SiH⁺_n (n=0–3) and GeH⁺_n (n = 0–3) are the main ionic species at zero reaction time when the GeH₄: SiH₄ ratio is in the range 1:1 to 1:12. Self-condensation sequences are observed at increasing reaction times. Moreover, formation of ions containing GeSi bonds, such as GeSiH⁺_n (in = 2–5) and GeSi₂H⁺_n (n = 4, 5), occurs by reactions of Si₂H⁺_n (n = 2–5) and Si₃H⁺_n (n = 4, 5) with GeH₄. At longer reaction times, further substitution of silicon with germanium in GeSiH⁺_n (n = 2–5) ions has been observed, to give Ge₂H⁺_n (n = 2–5).     

An ICR study of ion—molecule reactions of PHn+ ions

The reaction of PH_n⁺ ions (n = 0–3) were examined with a number of neutrals using ion cyclotron resonance techniques. The reactions examined have significance for the distribution of phosphorus in interstellar molecules. The results indicate that interstellar molecules containing the PO bond are likely to be more abundant than those containing the PH bond.     

Gas phase ion chemistry of molybdenum hexacarbonyl

In an ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) cell, Mo(CO)_n⁺ ions (n = 0–6), generated by electron ionization (EI) with 70 eV electrons, on collisions with Mo(CO)₆ undergo charge exchange (confirmed by isotopic experiments), collision-induced dissociation (CID), and association reactions to produce Mo_m(CO)_n⁺ ions (m = 1–6). Reactions are essentially complete within 9 s at a pressure of 3 × 10⁻⁹ Torr, as recorded by the manifold ion gauge (uncalibrated); Mo(CO)_n⁺ ions with n = 0–5 have been consumed within this time whereas Mo(CO)₆⁺ ions have achieved a steady concentration. All Mo₂(CO)_n⁺ ions (n = 0–11) were observed: the abundances of dimolybdenum-containing ions with n < 7 decrease at extended reaction times, whereas those with n ≥ 7 remain steady or increase slowly, implying that reactivity decreases with increasing CO content. The major dimers have n = 7, 9, and 10. When subjected to CID the Mo₂(CO)₇⁺ ion yields Mo₂(CO)_n⁺ ions (n = 0–6). Most Mo₃(CO)_n⁺ ions (n = 0–13) were observed, those with n = 9 being formed most readily. Similar observations apply to larger clusters, the most abundant ions being those with CO:Mo ratios of 2–3:1. Mo(CO)_n⁺ ions (n = 0, 3–6) formed by EI with 15 eV electrons are unreactive for reaction times of at least 5 s at the same pressure. General reaction sequences are proposed. Negative ions generated with 70 eV electrons (∼ 90% Mo(CO)₅⁻) are much less reactive but also lead to cluster ion formation on reaction with Mo(CO)₆.     

An NHC-Stabilized H2GeBH2 Precursor for the Preparation of Cationic Group 13/14/15 Hydride Chains

The synthesis, characterization and reactivity studies of the NHC-stabilized complex IDipp ⋅ GeH₂BH₂OTf ( 1 ) (IDipp=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) are reported. Nucleophilic substitution of the triflate (OTf) group in 1 by phosphine or arsine donors provides access to the cationic group 13/14/15 chains [IDipp ⋅ GeH₂BH₂ERR¹R²]⁺ ( 2 E=P; R, R¹=H; R²=^tBu; 3 E=P; R=H; R¹, R²=Ph; 4 a E=P; R, R¹, R²=Ph; 4 b E=As; R, R¹, R²=Ph). These novel cationic chains were characterized by X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Moreover, the formation of the parent complexes [IDipp ⋅ GeH₂BH₂PH₃][OTf] ( 5 ) and [IDipp ⋅ GeH₃][OTf] ( 6 ) were achieved by reaction of 1 with PH₃. Accompanying DFT computations give insight into the stability of the formed chains with respect to their decomposition.     

Mise en évidence par spectroscopie infrarouge des espèces Ni(PH3)n(n = 1–4) Isolées en matrice

Ni(PH₃)_n species (where n = 1–4) were obtained by a co-condensation reaction of nickel vapour with phosphine, and stabilized at a low temperature in argon matrices. Infrared spectra in the Ni-P stretching vibration region provided evidence for their formation. Solid Ni(PH₃)₄ was isolated after removal of excess PH₃.     

Electronic structures and stabilities of GeC n and Ge2C n in Hückel theory

Some recent results about Ge _p C _n ⁺ ions (p=1, 2;n < 6) produced in laser microprobe mass analyser experiments (LAMMA) show very marked alternations in the emission intensities I(Ge _p C _n ⁺ ) as a function of then andp parities. I(Ge _p C _n ⁺ ) are maxima for evenn. Thus, intensity maxima occur when the total atom numberm of the aggregates is odd for GeC _n ⁺ (m=n+1) and even for Ge₂C _n ⁺ (m=n+2). As a result, GeC _n ⁺ ions seem to behave as C _m ⁺ ions, whereas the behaviour of Ge₂C _n ⁺ ions is quite similar to that of Ge _p ⁺ ions formed in SIMS or vaporization experiments on pure germanium. It is well known (correspondence rule) that the parity effect in the emissions corresponds to alternations in the ion stabilities. These results are analysed from a model built in Hückel approximation with hybridization. Forp=1, the clusters are assumed to be insp hybridization as for C _m ⁺ ions, hence with linear shapes, and forp=2, they would rather be insp ² orsp ³ hybridization as for Ge _p ⁺ ions. Relative stabilities and distributions of the energy levels of the aggregates are then calculated. The relative stabilities given for Ge _p C _n ⁺ by this model show maxima for evenn as in experiments, and we have thus a good agreement between our calculation results and the experimental data. Moreover, we found that Ge₂C _n ⁺ would rather be insp ³ hybridization, that is under three dimensional shapes.     

Ion/Molecule reactions in SiH4/H2S and GeH4/H2S mixtures

The gas phase ion chemistry of silane/hydrogen sulfide and germane/hydrogen sulfide mixtures was studied by ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS), in both positive and negative ionization mode. In positive ionization, formation of X/S (X = Si, Ge) mixed ions mainly takes place via reactions of silane or germane ions with H₂S, through condensation followed by dehydrogenation. This is particularly evident in the system with silane. On the other side, reactions of H_nS₂⁺ ions with XH₄ (X = Si, Ge) invariably lead to formation of a single X? S bond. In negative ionization, a more limited number of mixed ion species is detected, but their overall abundance reaches appreciable values, especially in the SiH₄/H₂S system. Present results clearly indicate that ion processes play an important role in formation and growth of clusters eventually leading to deposition of amorphous solids in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New insights into the selective and systematic preparation of arylgermanium hydrides

A series of novel arylgermanium hydrides Ar_nGeH_4–n (n = 1–3) and diaryl(chloro)germanium hydrides Ar₂Ge(Cl)H were synthesized and characterized. Systematic preparation and purification were achieved via the lithium chloride–triflic acid and the optimized Grignard route. Arylgermanium hydrides ArnGeH_4–n (Ar = 2,5-Me₂C₆H₃, n = 1–3) were characterized by ¹H and ⁷³Ge NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffractometry.     

Negative gas‐phase ion chemistry of GeH4: a quadrupole ion trap study

Gas‐phase anion/molecule reactions of germanium hydride were studied by quadrupole ion trap (QIT) mass spectrometry. Under chemical ionization (CI) conditions and with a sample pressure of about 5.0 × 10^?5 Torr, clustering reactions proceed up to the formation of Ge₅H ion clusters. With increasing cluster size, the most abundant ion species are those with the lowest content of hydrogen. Reaction sequences obtained by ion isolation were determined for primary, secondary and tertiary germane ions, and reaction enthalpies were calculated for reactions of primary ions. Ion/neutral condensation processes followed by single and double dehydrogenation are by far the most important reactions; moreover, isotope scrambling is observed for almost every reactant ion. These results are in good agreement with previously published data and indicate that germane negative ions are quite efficient in formation and growth of ionic clusters, which can be considered suitable precursors of amorphous solid hydrogenated germanium used in the semiconductor field. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Positive ion–molecule reactions in OCS/hydrocarbon mixtures

The positive ion–molecule reactions of OCS have been investigated in an ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer. A variety of reactions in OCS/hydrocarbon mixtures have been investigated for various C₁? C₄ hydrocarbons—alkanes, alkenes and alkynes. The formation of organosulfur ions is found in reactions in OCS/hydrocarbon (C_n) mixtures with n <4. Formation of organosulfur ions is observed from hydrocarbon ions reacting with OCS and [OCS]⁺˙ and S⁺˙ reacting with the hydrocarbons. The proton affinity of OCS has been determined to be 688.7±8 kJ mol^?1 while that of CS₂ is measured to be 712.1±8 kJ mol^?1. Comparison with the proton affinity of CO₂ shows that the proton affinity increases as sulfur is substituted for oxygen.     

Characterization of bis(alkylamine)mercury cations from mercury nitrate surfaces by using an ion trap secondary ion mass spectrometer

Mercury-cyclohexylamine (R-NH₂, where R = c-C₆H₁₁) ions having the composition Hg(R-NH)₂H⁺ can be formed by exposing the surface of Hg(NO₃) _{n = 1,2} salts to gaseous primary amines and then sputtering the surface with a primary ion beam (ReO ₄ ^? ). The resultant ions can be stabilized and detected using an ion trap secondary ion mass spectrometer (IT-SIMS) instrument, which provides collisional stabilization that facilitates their observation. Isolation of the Hg(R-NH)₂H⁺ ions followed by collisional activation produces daughter ions corresponding to (C₆H₁₀NH₂)⁺ and Hg(R-NH)⁺. These assignments were supported by deuterium labeling experiments, which resulted in the formation of Hg(R-NH)(R-NH-d ₁₁)H⁺ and Hg(R-NH)₂H⁺. The existence of the Hg(R-NH)₂ compounds on the surface was verified using Raman spectroscopy, which showed a strong absorption at 590 cm^?1 that corresponded to Hg-N stretching. Analogous ions could be formed with n-hexylamine, but no Hg-bearing ions were formed when starting with a secondary or a tertiary amine. This indicates that only primary amines will react with Hg-nitrate surfaces in this manner. Hg-amine ions could not be formed starting with other Hg salts: chloride, iodide, thiocyanate, sulfate, and oxide. These results suggest that surface derivatization using amines, coupled with an IT-SIMS instrument, may offer an approach for determining inorganic metal speciation on surfaces.     

Elucidating the structures of isomeric silylenium ions (SiC3H 9 + , SiC4H 11 + , SiC5H 13 + ) by using specific ion/molecule reactions

Specific ion/molecule reactions are demonstrated that distinguish the structures of the following isomeric organosilylenium ions: Si(CH₃) ₃ ⁺ and SiH(CH₃)(C₂H₅)⁺; Si(CH₃)₂(C₂H₅)⁺ and SiH(C₂H₅) ₂ ⁺ ; and Si(CH₃)₂(i?C₃H₇)⁺, Si(CH₃)₂(n?C₃H₇)⁺, Si(CH₃)(C₂H₅) ₂ ⁺ , and Si(CH₃)₃(π?C₂H₄)⁺. Both methanol and isotopically labeled ethene yield structure-specific reactions with these ions. Methanol reacts with alkylsilylenium ions by competitive elimination of a corresponding alkane or dehydrogenation and yields a methoxysilylenium ion. Isotopically labeled ethene reacts specifically with alkylsilylenium ions containing a two-carbon or larger alkyl substituent by displacement of the corresponding olefin and yields an ethylsilylenium ion. Methanol reactions were found to be efficient for all systems, whereas isotopically labeled ethene reaction efficiencies were quite variable, with dialkylsilylenium ions reacting rapidly and trialkylsilylenium ions reacting much more slowly. Mechanisms for these reactions and differences in the kinetics are discussed.     

Bond dissociation and internal energies of the gas phase TiCln+ ions formed by 70 eV electron impact ionization: an ion beam study

An ion beam instrument has been constructed that utilizes a unique, simple ion deceleration lens. We demonstrate here that the kinetic energies of the ions formed can be determined accurately and precisely over a range of energies, that endothermic processes can be characterized, and that the instrument exhibits high product ion collection efficiencies. Results of collision-induced dissociation studies of the TiCl_n⁺ ions (n = 1–4), generated by 70 eV electron impact ionization, are presented here. The results are compared with those obtained from threshold measurements, and indicate that these ions are formed with substantial average internal energies. This information is useful, since the rich gas phase chemistry of TiCl_n⁺ ions with organic molecules reported to date involves reactant ions that have not been thermalized.     

Synthetic, structural, and theoretical investigations of alkali metal germanium hydrides--contact molecules and separated ions

The preparation of a series of crown ether ligated alkali metal (M=K, Rb, Cs) germyl derivatives M(crown ether)_nGeH₃ through the hydrolysis of the respective tris(trimethylsilyl)germanides is reported. Depending on the alkali metal and the crown ether diameter, the hydrides display either contact molecules or separated ions in the solid state, providing a unique structural insight into the geometry of the obscure GeH₃^? ion. Germyl derivatives displaying M? Ge bonds in the solid state are of the general formula [M([18]crown‐6)(thf)GeH₃] with M=K ( 1 ) and M=Rb ( 4 ). The compounds display an unexpected geometry with two of the GeH₃ hydrogen atoms closely approaching the metal center, resulting in a partially inverted structure. Interestingly, the lone pair at germanium is not pointed towards the alkali metal, rather two of the three hydrides are approaching the alkali metal center to display M? H interactions. Separated ions display alkali metal cations bound to two crown ethers in a sandwich‐type arrangement and non‐coordinated GeH₃^? ions to afford complexes of the type [M(crown ether)₂][GeH₃] with M=K, crown ether=[15]crown‐5 ( 2 ); M=K, crown ether=[12]crown‐4 ( 3 ); and M=Cs, crown ether=[18]crown‐6 ( 5 ). The highly reactive germyl derivatives were characterized by using X‐ray crystallography, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and IR spectroscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) and second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) calculations were performed to analyze the geometry of the GeH₃^? ion in the contact molecules 1 and 4 .     

Structures and mutual transformations of isomers of germylium ions (CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)H<Subscript>2</Subscript>Ge<Superscript>+</Superscript> and (CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>HGe<Superscript>+</Superscript> and their silicon analogs

The potential energy surfaces of the (CH₃)_nH_3?n M⁺ ions, where n = 1, 2; M = Si, Ge, were scanned using the B3LYP method with 6–31G* and aug-cc-pVDZ basis sets. The major attention was given to isomeric species having the form of complexes of the HM⁺ and CH₃M⁺ ions with hydrogen, methane, and ethane molecules. These species were characterized previously neither by experimental nor by theoretical methods. It was found that these species become more stable in going from Si to Ge; the complex [CH₃Ge⁺CH₄] is the second isomer in the energy after (CH₃)₂HGe⁺. However, the heights of the activation barriers to formation of these complexes from the most stable isomer, though decreasing in going from Si to Ge, remain relatively high and, what is particularly important, somewhat exceed the activation barrier to formation of the complex [H₃Ge⁺·C₂H₄].     

Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance study of the gas-phase acidities of germane and methylgermane; Bond dissociation energy of germane

An accurate gas-phase acidity for germane (enthalpy scale, equivalent to the proton affinity of GeH₃ ^?), ΔH _acid ^o(GeH₄) = 1502.0 ± 5.1 kJ mol^?1, is obtained by constructing a consistent acidity ladder between GeH₄, and H₂S by using Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance spectrometry, and 0 and 298.15 K values for the first bond dissociation energy of GeH₄ are proposed: D₀ ^o(H₃Ge-H) = 352 ± 9 kJ mol^?1; D ^o(H₃Ge-H) = 358 ± 9 kJ mol^?1, respectively. These results are compared with experimental and theoretical data reported in the literature. Methylgermane was found to be a weaker acid than germane by approximately 35 kJ mol^?1: ΔH _acid ^o = 1536.6 kJ mol^?1.     

Reactions of NH+n and ND+n (n = 0–4) with C2H4 and C2D4 at 300 K

Rate coefficients and product-ion distributions for NH⁺_n and ND⁺_n (n = 0–4) with both C₂H₄ and C₂D₄ are presented. The use of the deuterated species allowed the fraction of each of the product ion types to be determined unambiguously. The data also demonstrate how the technique can be used to obtain information on the mechanisms of relatively complex ion/molecule reactions.     

Modulation of hydrogen bonding upon ion binding: Insights into cooperativity

The impact due to the of presence of ions, such as Mg²⁺, Na⁺, H⁺, Cl^?, and OH^? on hydrogen bonded clusters of increasing size (water, formamide, and acetamide [n = 1–10]) in the context of associated cooperativity has been explored using density functinal theory (DFT) calculations. Sequential binding energies (SBE) rise on addition of monomer in case of parent clusters. SBE for ionic clusters are several times higher than that of parent clusters initially. This behavior is more dramatic on addition of either Mg²⁺ or H⁺ compared to other ions. Interestingly, SBE of both parent and ionic clusters approach nearly uniform values beyond n = 6 irrespective of kind of ion present in the cluster with the exception of magnesium. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Germane decomposition: Kinetic and thermochemical data

Rate constants for the two stages of germane dissociation (GeH₄ → GeH₂ + H₂(I) and GeH₂ → Ge + H₂(II) have been derived from the studies of the chemiluminescence kinetics during germane dissociation in the presence of nitrous oxide behind shock waves at 1060–1300 K and the full density equal to ～10^?5 mol/cm³. Analysis in terms of the RRKM model gave the following expressions for the rate constants of these reactions in the high and low pressure limits: k _{1, ∞} = 2.0 × 10¹⁴exp(?208.0/RT) s^?1; k _{1, 0} = 1.7 × 10¹⁸(1000/T)^3.85exp(?208.0/RT) cm³/(mol s); and k _{2, 0} = 2.8 × 10¹⁵(1000/T)^1.32exp(?135.0/RT) cm³/(mol s). The results, in combination with the available enthalpies of formation of radical GeH₂, show that the back reaction for stage (I) has an energy barrier of about 66 kJ/mol.