The Generation of Low-Valence Tin Derivatives, RSn(I), in the Gas-Phase by Neutralization—reionization Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Neutralization-reionization mass spectrometry (NRMS) was applied to the generation and characterization of low-valence Sn(I) derivatives. The observation of recovery signals in the NR mass spectra of RSn+ ions (R=H, Cl, Br, CH3, C2H, C6H5) demonstrated that their neutral counterparts are stable species in the gas-phase with a lifetime of at least 5 μs. According to quantum chemical calculations, a favorable Franck–Condon factor may contribute to the stability of RSn neutrals generated in the NR event. The experimental results for tin acetylide and phenyltin are the first examples of the generation of these previously unknown molecular species.