Relativistic Effects on Rate and Product Formation in the Gas‐Phase Methane Chemistry of Late Atomic Transition Metal Cations

Abstract

AbstractWe provide an assessment of relativistic effects on both rate and product formation in gas‐phase chemical reactions of methane with late atomic transition metal cations (Groups 8–12) at room temperature. In the spirit long advocated by Helmut Schwarz, we use the interplay between theory and experiment to illuminate any perceived trends and transitions in product formation and chemical kinetics with these atomic cations going down the periodic table.