Solvent-Driven Reductive Activation of CO2by Bismuth: Switching from Metalloformate Complexes to Oxalate Products

Spectroscopic investigation of size-dependent CO2 binding on cationic copper clusters: analysis of the CO2 asymmetric stretch

Photofragmentation spectroscopy, combined with quantum chemical computations, was employed to investigate the position of the asymmetric CO2 stretch in cold, He-tagged Cun[CO2]+ (n = 1-10) and Cun[CO2][H2O]+ (n = 1-7) complexes. A blue shift in the band position was observed compared to the free CO2 molecule for Cun[CO2]+ complexes. Furthermore, this shift was found to exhibit a notable dependence on cluster size, progressively redshifting with increasing cluster size. The computations revealed that the CO2 binding energy is the highest for Cu+ and continuously decreases with increasing cluster size. This dependency could be explained by highlighting the role of polarization in electronic structure, according to energy decomposition analysis. The introduction of water to this complex amplified the redshift of the asymmetric stretch, showing a similar dependency on the cluster size as observed for Cun[CO2]+ complexes.

Infrared Spectroscopy of [M(CO2)n]+ (M = Ca, Sr, and Ba; n = 1-4) in the Gas Phase: Solvation-Induced Electron Transfer and Activation of CO2

Cationic complexes of heavy alkaline earth metal and carbon dioxide [M(CO2)n]+ (M = Ca, Sr, and Ba) are produced by a laser vaporization-supersonic expansion ion source in the gas phase and are studied by infrared photodissociation spectroscopy in conjunction with quantum chemistry calculations. For the n = 1 complexes, the metal-ligand binding arises primarily from the electrostatic interaction with the CO2 ligand bound to the metal (+I) center in an end-on η1-O fashion. The more highly coordinated complexes [M(CO2)n]+ with n ≥ 2 are characterized to involve a [M2+(CO2-)] core ion with the CO2- ligand bound to the metal (+II) center in a bidentate η2-O, O manner. The activation of CO2 in forming a bent CO2- moiety occurs via solvation-induced metal cation-ligand electron transfer reactions. Bonding analyses reveal that the attractive forces between M2+ and CO2- in the core cation come mainly from electrostatic attraction, but the contribution of covalent orbital interactions should not be underestimated. The atomic orbitals of metal dications that are engaged in the orbital interactions are ns and (n - 1)d orbitals.

Carbon dioxide activation by discandium dioxide cations in the gas phase: a combined investigation of infrared photodissociation spectroscopy and DFT calculations

We present a combined computational and experimental study of CO2 activation at the Sc2O2+ metal oxide ion center in the gas phase. Density functional theory calculations on the structures of [Sc2O2(CO2)n]+ (n = 1-4) ion-molecule complexes reveal a typical end-on binding motif as well as bidentate and tridentate carbonate-containing configurations. As the number of attached CO2 molecules increases, activated forms tend to dominate the isomeric populations. Distortion energies are unveiled to account for the conversion barriers from molecularly bound isomers to carbonate structures, and show a monotonically decreasing trend with successive CO2 ligand addition. The infrared photodissociation spectra of target ion-molecule complexes were recorded in the 2100-2500 cm-1 frequency region and interpreted by comparison with simulated IR spectra of low-lying isomers representing distinct configurations, demonstrating a high possibility of carbonate structure formation in current experiments.

Relation Between Bond Angle and Carbon-Oxygen Stretching Frequencies in CO2-Containing Compounds

The symmetric (νs) and antisymmetric (νas) O-C-O stretching modes of CO2-containing compounds encode structural information that can be difficult to decipher, due to the sensitivity of these spectral features to small shifts in charge distribution and structure, as well as the anharmonicities of these two vibrational modes. In this work, we discuss the relation between the frequency of these modes and the geometry of the O-C-O group, showing that the splitting between νs and νas (Δνas-s = νas - νs) can be predicted based only on the O-C-O bond angle obtained from quantum chemical calculations with reasonable accuracy (±46 cm-1, R2 = 0.994). The relationship is shown to hold for the infrared spectra of a variety of CO2-containing molecules measured in vacuo. The origins of this model are discussed in the framework of elementary mode analysis.

Carbon Dioxide and Water Activation by Niobium Trioxide Anions in the Gas Phase

Transition metals are important in various industrial applications including catalysis. Due to the current concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere, various ways for its capture and utilization are investigated. Here, we study the activation of CO₂ and H₂O at [NbO₃]^- in the gas phase using a combination of infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. In the experiments, Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry is combined with tunable IR laser light provided by the intracavity free-electron laser FELICE or optical parametric oscillator-based table-top laser systems. We present spectra of [NbO₃]^-, [NbO₂(OH)₂]^-, [NbO₂(OH)₂]^-(H₂O) and [NbO(OH)₂(CO₃)]^- in the 240-4000 cm^-1 range. The measured spectra and observed dissociation channels together with quantum chemical calculations confirm that upon interaction with a water molecule, [NbO₃]^- is transformed to [NbO₂(OH)₂]^- via a barrierless reaction. Reaction of this product with CO₂ leads to [NbO(OH)₂(CO₃)]^- with the formation of a [CO₃] moiety.

An infrared study of CO2 activation by holmium ions, Ho+ and HoO. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022;24:22716-22723. [PMID: 36106954 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp02862j]

We report a combined experimental and computational study of carbon dioxide activation at gas-phase Ho⁺ and HoO⁺ centres. Infrared action spectra of Ho(CO₂)_n⁺ and [HoO(CO₂)_n]⁺ ion-molecule complexes have been recorded in the spectral region 1700-2400 cm^-1 and assigned by comparison with simulated spectra of energetically low-lying structures determined by density functional theory. Little by way of activation is observed in Ho(CO₂)_n⁺ complexes with CO₂ binding end-on to the Ho⁺ ion. By contrast, all [HoO(CO₂)_n]⁺ complexes n ≥ 3 show unambiguous evidence for formation of a carbonate radical anion moiety, . The signature of this structure, a new vibrational band observed around 1840 cm^-1 for n = 3, continues to red-shift monotonically with each successive CO₂ ligand binding with net charge transfer from the ligand rather than the metal centre.

Infrared spectroscopy of Be(CO2)4+ in the gas phase: electron transfer and C-C coupling of CO2

Beryllium-carbon dioxide cation complexes Be(CO₂)_n⁺ are produced by a laser vaporization-supersonic expansion ion source in the gas phase. Mass-selected infrared photodissociation spectroscopy supplemented by theoretical calculations confirms that Be(CO₂)₄⁺ is a coordination saturated complex that can be assigned to a mixture of two isomers. The first structure involves a bent CO₂^- ligand that is bound in a monodentate η¹-O coordination mode. Another isomer has a metal oxalate-type C₂O₄^- moiety with a C-C hemibond.

Building a Green, Robust, and Efficient Bi-MOF Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Strecker Reaction of Ketones

In this work, we present the new [Bi₁₄(μ₃-O)₉(μ₄-O)₂(μ_3–OH)₅(3,5-DSB)₅(H₂O)₃]·7H₂O, BiPF-4 (bismuth polymeric framework—4) MOF, its microwave hydrothermal synthesis, as well as its behavior as a heterogeneous catalyst in the multicomponent organic Strecker reaction. The BiPF-4 material shows a three-dimensional (3D) framework formed by peculiar inorganic oxo-hydroxo-bismutate layers connected among them through the 3,5-dsb (3,5-disulfobenzoic acid) linker. These two-dimensional (2D) layers, built by junctions of Bi7 polyhedra SBU, provide the material of many Lewis acid catalytic sites because of the mixing in the metal coordination number. BiPF-4 is a highly robust, green, and stable material that demonstrates an excellent heterogeneous catalytic activity in the multicomponent Strecker reaction of ketones carried out in one-pot synthesis, bringing a reliable platform of novel green materials based on nontoxic and abundant metal sources such as bismuth.

In this work, we present the new [Bi₁₄(μ₃-O)₉(μ₄-O)₂(μ₃₋OH)₅(3,5-DSB)₅(H₂O)₃]·7H₂O, BiPF-4 (bismuth polymeric framework—4) MOF, its microwave hydrothermal synthesis, as well as its behavior as a heterogeneous catalyst in the multicomponent organic Strecker reaction.

Impacts of the Catalyst Structures on CO2 Activation on Catalyst Surfaces

Utilizing CO2 as a sustainable carbon source to form valuable products requires activating it by active sites on catalyst surfaces. These active sites are usually in or below the nanometer scale. Some metals and metal oxides can catalyze the CO2 transformation reactions. On metal oxide-based catalysts, CO2 transformations are promoted significantly in the presence of surface oxygen vacancies or surface defect sites. Electrons transferable to the neutral CO2 molecule can be enriched on oxygen vacancies, which can also act as CO2 adsorption sites. CO2 activation is also possible without necessarily transferring electrons by tailoring catalytic sites that promote interactions at an appropriate energy level alignment of the catalyst and CO2 molecule. This review discusses CO2 activation on various catalysts, particularly the impacts of various structural factors, such as oxygen vacancies, on CO2 activation.

Covalent Bonding Between Be+ and CO2 in BeOCO+ with a Surprisingly High Antisymmetric OCO Stretching Vibration

The cationic complex BeOCO⁺ is produced in a solid neon matrix. Infrared absorption spectroscopic study shows that it has a very high antisymmetric OCO stretching vibration of 2418.9 cm^-1, which is about 71 cm^-1 blue-shifted from that of free CO₂. The quantum chemical calculations are in very good agreement with the experimental observation. Depending on the theoretical method, a linear or quasi-linear structure is predicted for the cation. The analysis of the electronic structure shows that the bonding of Be⁺ to one oxygen atom induces very little charge migration between the two moieties, but it causes a significant change in the σ-charge distribution that strengthens the terminal C-O bond, leading to the observed blue shift. The bonding analysis reveals that the Be⁺ ← OCO donation results in strong binding due to the interference of the wave function and a charge polarization within the CO₂ fragment and hybridization to Be⁺ but only negligible charge donation.

CO2 Activation and Hydrogenation by Palladium Hydride Cluster Anions

Mass spectrometric analysis of the anionic products of interaction between palladium hydride anions, PdH^-, and carbon dioxide, CO₂, in a reaction cell shows an efficient generation of the PdHCO₂^- intermediate and isolated formate product. Multiple isomers of the PdHCO₂^- intermediates are identified by a synergy between negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations. It is shown that a direct mechanism, in which the H atom in PdH^- directly activates and hydrogenates CO₂, leads to the formation of the formate product. An indirect mechanism, on the other hand, leads to a stable HPdCO₂^- structure, where CO₂ is chemisorbed onto the Pd atom.

Spectroscopic Identification of Transition-Metal M[η2-(O,O)C] Species for Highly-Efficient CO2 Activation

The CO₂ activation by transition metals is important in CO₂ utilization but has proven to be challenging for experimental targets. Here we report first synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of transition-metal M[η²-(O,O)C] species with bidentate double oxygen metal-CO₂ coordination in the [ZrO(CO₂)_n≥4]⁺ complexes. The Zr[η²-(O,O)C] species yields a CO₂^- radical ligand, showing a high efficiency in CO₂ activation. We find that two important prerequisites are demanded for certain metals to form this intriguing M[η²-(O,O)C] species. One is that the metal center has high reduction capability, and the other is that the oxidation state of the metal center is lower than its highest one by 1. This study highlights the pivotal roles played by the M[η²-(O,O)C] species in CO₂ activation and also open new avenues toward the development of related single-atom catalysts with isolated transition-metal atoms dispersed on supports.

Methylbismuth: an organometallic bismuthinidene biradical

We report the generation, spectroscopic characterization, and computational analysis of the first free (non-stabilized) organometallic bismuthinidene, BiMe. The title compound was generated in situ from BiMe3 by controlled homolytic Bi-C bond cleavage in the gas phase. Its electronic structure was characterized by a combination of photoion mass-selected threshold photoelectron spectroscopy and DFT as well as multi-reference computations. A triplet ground state was identified and an ionization energy (IE) of 7.88 eV was experimentally determined. Methyl abstraction from BiMe3 to give [BiMe2]• is a key step in the generation of BiMe. We reaveal a bond dissociation energy of 210 ± 7 kJ mol-1, which is substantially higher than the previously accepted value. Nevertheless, the homolytic cleavage of Me-BiMe2 bonds could be achieved at moderate temperatures (60-120 °C) in the condensed phase, suggesting that [BiMe2]• and BiMe are accessible as reactive intermediates under these conditions.

Evidence for lactone formation during infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy of bromoalkanoate doped salt clusters

Reaction mechanisms of organic molecules in a salt environment are of fundamental interest and are potentially relevant for atmospheric chemistry, in particular sea-salt aerosols. Here, we found evidence for lactone formation upon infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) of non-covalent bromoalkanoate complexes as well as bromoalkanoate embedded in sodium iodide clusters. The mechanism of lactone formation from bromoalkanoates of different chain lengths is studied in the gas phase with and without salt environment by a combination of IRMPD and quantum chemical calculations. IRMPD spectra are recorded in the 833-3846 cmT¹ range by irradiating the clusters with tunable laser systems while they are stored in the cell of a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer. The measurements of the binary complex Br(CH2)_mCOOH·Br(CH2)_mCOO^- for m = 4 indicate valerolactone formation without salt environment while lactone formation is hindered for longer chain lengths. When embedded in sodium iodide clusters, butyrolactone formation from 4-bromobutyrate seems to take place already during formation of the doped clusters in the electrospray process, evidenced by the infrared (IR) signature of the lactone. In contrast, IRMPD spectra of sodium iodide clusters containing 5-bromovalerate contain signatures for both valerate as well as valerolactone. In both cases, however, a neutral fragment corresponding to the mass of valerolactone is eliminated, indicating that ring formation can be activated by IR light in the salt cluster. Quantum chemical calculations show that already complexation with one sodium ion significantly increases the barrier for lactone formation for all chain lengths. IRMPD of sodium iodide clusters doped with neutral bromoalkanoic acid molecules proceeds by elimination of HI or desorption of the intact acid molecule from the cluster.

CO2 Hydrogenation to Formate and Formic Acid by Bimetallic Palladium-Copper Hydride Clusters

Mass spectrometric analysis of the anionic products of interaction between bimetallic palladium-copper tetrahydride anions, PdCuH₄^-, and carbon dioxide, CO₂, in a reaction cell shows an efficient generation of the PdCuCO₂H₄^- intermediate and formate/formic acid complexes. Multiple structures of PdCuH₄^- and PdCuCO₂H₄^- are identified by a synergy between anion photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. The higher energy PdCuH₄^- isomer is shown to drive the catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂, emphasizing the importance of accounting for higher energy isomers for cluster catalytic activity. This study represents the first example of CO₂ hydrogenation by bimetallic hydride clusters.

Characterization of the alkali metal oxalates (MC2O4-) and their formation by CO2 reduction via the alkali metal carbonites (MCO2-)

The reduction of carbon dioxide to oxalate has been studied by experimental Collisionally Induced Dissociation (CID) and vibrational characterization of the alkali metal oxalates, supplemented by theoretical electronic structure calculations. The critical step in the reductive process is the coordination of CO2 to an alkali metal anion, forming a metal carbonite MCO2- able to subsequently receive a second CO2 molecule. While the energetic demand for these reactions is generally low, we find that the degree of activation of CO2 in terms of charge transfer and transition state energies is the highest for lithium and systematically decreases down the group (M = Li-Cs). This is correlated to the strength of the binding interaction between the alkali metal and CO2, which can be related to the structure of the oxalate moiety within the product metal complexes evolving from a planar to a staggered conformer with increasing atomic number of the interacting metal. Similar structural changes are observed for crystalline alkali metal oxalates, although the C2O42- moiety is in general more planar in these, a fact that is attributed to the increased number of interacting alkali metal cations compared to the gas-phase ions.

Carbon Dioxide Activation at Metal Centers: Evolution of Charge Transfer from Mg .+ to CO2 in [MgCO2 (H2 O)n ].+ , n=0-8

We investigate activation of carbon dioxide by singly charged hydrated magnesium cations Mg ^.+(H₂O)_n, through infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy combined with quantum chemical calculations. The spectra of [MgCO₂(H₂O)_n]^.+ in the 1250–4000 cm⁻¹ region show a sharp transition from n=2 to n=3 for the position of the CO₂ antisymmetric stretching mode. This is evidence for the activation of CO₂ via charge transfer from Mg ^.+ to CO₂ for n≥3, while smaller clusters feature linear CO₂ coordinated end‐on to the metal center. Starting with n=5, we see a further conformational change, with CO₂^.− coordination to Mg²⁺ gradually shifting from bidentate to monodentate, consistent with preferential hexa‐coordination of Mg²⁺. Our results reveal in detail how hydration promotes CO₂ activation by charge transfer at metal centers.

Ionic-caged heterometallic bismuth-platinum complex exhibiting electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

An air-stable heterometallic Bi-Pt complex with the formula [BiPt(SAc)5]n (1; SAc = thioacetate) was synthesized. The crystal structure, natural bond orbital (NBO) and local orbital locator (LOL) analyses, localized orbital bonding analysis (LOBA), and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements were used to confirm the existence of Bi-Pt bonding and an ionic cage of O atoms surrounding the Bi ion. From the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and controlled potential electrolysis (CPE) experiments, 1 in tetrahydrofuran reduced CO2 to CO, with a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 92% and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 8 s-1 after 30 min of CPE at -0.79 V vs. NHE. The proposed mechanism includes an energetically favored pathway via the ionic cage, which is supported by the results of DFT calculations and reflectance infrared spectroelectrochemistry data.

Infrared Multiple Photon Dissociation Spectroscopy of Hydrated Cobalt Anions Doped with Carbon Dioxide CoCO2 (H2 O)n - , n=1-10, in the C-O Stretch Region

We investigate anionic [Co,CO2 ,nH2 O]- clusters as model systems for the electrochemical activation of CO2 by infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy in the range of 1250-2234 cm-1 using an FT-ICR mass spectrometer. We show that both CO2 and H2 O are activated in a significant fraction of the [Co,CO2 ,H2 O]- clusters since it dissociates by CO loss, and the IR spectrum exhibits the characteristic C-O stretching frequency. About 25 % of the ion population can be dissociated by pumping the C-O stretching mode. With the help of quantum chemical calculations, we assign the structure of this ion as Co(CO)(OH)2 - . However, calculations find Co(HCOO)(OH)- as the global minimum, which is stable against IRMPD under the conditions of our experiment. Weak features around 1590-1730 cm-1 are most likely due to higher lying isomers of the composition Co(HOCO)(OH)- . Upon additional hydration, all species [Co,CO2 ,nH2 O]- , n≥2, undergo IRMPD through loss of H2 O molecules as a relatively weakly bound messenger. The main spectral features are the C-O stretching mode of the CO ligand around 1900 cm-1 , the water bending mode mixed with the antisymmetric C-O stretching mode of the HCOO- ligand around 1580-1730 cm-1 , and the symmetric C-O stretching mode of the HCOO- ligand around 1300 cm-1 . A weak feature above 2000 cm-1 is assigned to water combination bands. The spectral assignment clearly indicates the presence of at least two distinct isomers for n ≥2.

Infrared Spectroscopy of Size-Selected Hydrated Carbon Dioxide Radical Anions CO2 .- (H2 O)n (n=2-61) in the C-O Stretch Region

Understanding the intrinsic properties of the hydrated carbon dioxide radical anions CO2 .- (H2 O)n is relevant for electrochemical carbon dioxide functionalization. CO2 .- (H2 O)n (n=2-61) is investigated by using infrared action spectroscopy in the 1150-2220 cm-1 region in an ICR (ion cyclotron resonance) cell cooled to T=80 K. The spectra show an absorption band around 1280 cm-1 , which is assigned to the symmetric C-O stretching vibration νs . It blueshifts with increasing cluster size, reaching the bulk value, within the experimental linewidth, for n=20. The antisymmetric C-O vibration νas is strongly coupled with the water bending mode ν2 , causing a broad feature at approximately 1650 cm-1 . For larger clusters, an additional broad and weak band appears above 1900 cm-1 similar to bulk water, which is assigned to a combination band of water bending and libration modes. Quantum chemical calculations provide insight into the interaction of CO2 .- with the hydrogen-bonding network.

Structures and Infrared Spectra of [M(CO2)7]+ (M = V, Cr, and Mn) Complexes

Gas-phase infrared photodissociation spectra of [V(CO₂) _n]⁺ complexes revealed three new vibrational bands at 1140, 1800, and 3008 cm^-1 at n = 7, the features of which are retained in the larger clusters (Ricks, A. M.; Brathwaite, A. D.; Duncan, M. A. J. Phys. Chem. A 2013, 117, 11490-11498). However, structural assignment of this intriguing feature remains open. Herein, quantum chemical calculations on [V(CO₂)₇]⁺ were carried out to identify the structure of the low-lying isomers and to assign the observed spectral features. The comparison of calculated infrared spectra of [V(CO₂)₇]⁺ with experimental infrared spectra identified the formation of a bent CO₂^- species, suggesting the ligand-induced activation of CO₂ by the vanadium cation. The structures and infrared spectra of [Cr(CO₂)₇]⁺ and [Mn(CO₂)₇]⁺ were also predicted and discussed.

The metallo-formate anions, M(CO2)−, M = Ni, Pd, Pt, formed by electron-induced CO2 activation

The metallo-formate anions, M(CO₂)⁻, M = Ni, Pd, and Pt, were formed by electron-induced CO₂ activation.

Operation and Performance of a Mass-Selective Cryogenic Linear Ion Trap

We report on the performance of a cryogenic 2D linear ion trap (cryoLIT) that is shown to be mass-selective in the temperature range of 17-295 K. As the cryoLIT is cooled, the ejection voltages during the mass instability scan decrease, which results in an effective mass shift to lower m/z relative to room temperature. This is attributed to a decrease in trap radius caused by thermal contraction. Additionally, the cryoLIT generates reproducible mass spectra from day-to-day, and is capable of performing stored waveform inverse Fourier transform (SWIFT) mass isolation of fragile N₂-tagged ions for the purpose of background-free infrared dissociation spectroscopy. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

IR Signature of Size-Selective CO2 Activation on Small Platinum Cluster Anions, Ptn - (n=4-7)

Infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy (IR-MPD) has been employed to determine the nature of CO₂ binding to size-selected platinum cluster anions, Pt_n ^- (n=4-7). Interpreted in conjunction with density functional theory simulations, the results illustrate that the degree of CO₂ activation can be controlled by the size of the metal cluster, with dissociative activation observed on all clusters n≥5. Of potential practical significance, in terms of the use of CO₂ as a useful C1 feedstock, CO₂ is observed molecularly-bound, but highly activated, on the Pt₄ ^- cluster. It is trapped behind a barrier on the reactive potential energy surface which prevents dissociation.

Ligand-Enhanced CO Activation by the Early Lanthanide-Nickel Heterodimers: Photoelectron Velocity-Map Imaging Spectroscopy of LnNi(CO) n- (Ln = La, Ce)

Heterobimetallic lanthanum-nickel and cerium-nickel carbonyls, LnNi(CO) _n^- (Ln = La, Ce; n = 2-5), were generated using a pulsed laser vaporization/supersonic expansion ion source. These compounds were characterized by photoelectron velocity-map imaging spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. The binding motif in the most stable isomers of the n = 2 and 3 clusters consists of one side-on-bonded carbonyl. A new building block of two side-on-bonded carbonyls is favored at n = 4, which is retained at n = 5, evidencing the increase of the number of extremely activated CO molecule in the larger clusters. The experimental and theoretical results demonstrate the ligand-enhanced CO activation by the early lanthanide-nickel heterodimers, which would have important implications for the design of alloy catalysts for activation of a molecular ligand.

Infrared Photodissociation Spectra of [Sn(CO2) n]- Cluster Ions

We present infrared spectra and density functional theory calculations of mass selected [Sn(CO₂) _n]^- cluster anions ( n = 2-6). The spectra and structures of these clusters exhibit less structural diversity than those of analogous clusters with first-row transition metals, but are more complex than those for the heavy coinage metals or for the related [Bi(CO₂) _n]^- clusters. The most favorable core ion structure for all cluster sizes can be characterized as a Sn-oxalate complex, Sn[C₂O₄]^-. Higher energy isomers based on a bidentate η²-(C,O) CO₂ ligand tightly bound to the metal atom in SnCO₂^- complexes are also observed, even for the largest cluster sizes studied here. For n = 2, another high energy isomer is found, featuring a CO₂ ligand weakly bound to the metal atom in a SnCO₂^- ion.

Infrared ion spectroscopy: an analytical tool for the study of metabolites

Vibrational ion spectroscopy techniques coupled with mass spectrometry are applied to standard metabolites as a proof-of-principle demonstration for the structural identification of unknown metabolites. The traditional room temperature infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy technique is shown to differentiate chemical moieties in isobaric and isomeric variants. These results are compared to infrared spectra of cryogenically cooled analyte ions, showing enhanced spectral resolution, and thus also improved differentiation between closely related molecules, such as isomers. The cryogenic spectroscopy is effected in a recently developed mass-selective cryogenic linear ion trap, which is capable of high sensitivity and the ability to measure the IR spectra of multiple analytes simultaneously.

Titanium Insertion into CO Bonds in Anionic Ti-CO2 Complexes

We explore the structures of [Ti(CO₂) _y]^- cluster anions using infrared photodissociation spectroscopy and quantum chemistry calculations. The existence of spectral signatures of metal carbonyl CO stretching modes shows that insertion of titanium atoms into C-O bonds represents an important reaction during the formation of these clusters. In addition to carbonyl groups, the infrared spectra show that the titanium center is coordinated to oxalato, carbonato, and oxo ligands, which form along with the metal carbonyls. The presence of a metal oxalato ligand promotes C-O bond insertion in these systems. These results highlight the affinity of titanium for C-O bond insertion processes.

C-C Bond Formation of Mg- and Zn-Activated Carbon Dioxide

Gas-phase activation of CO₂ by chloride tagged metal atoms, [ClM]^- (M=Mg, Zn), has been investigated by mass spectrometry and high-level quantum chemistry. Both metals activate CO₂ with significant bending of the CO₂ moiety to form complexes with the general formula [ClM,CO₂ ]^- . The structure of the metal-CO₂ complex depends on the method of formation, and the energy landscapes and reaction dynamics have been probed by collisional induced dissociation and thermal ion molecule reactions with isotopically labeled species. Having established these structural relationships, the gas-phase reactivity of [ClM(κ² -O₂ C)]^- with acetaldehyde (here considered a carbohydrate mimic) was then studied. Formation of lactate and enolate-pyruvate complexes are observed, showing that CO₂ fixation by C-C bond formation takes place. For M=Zn, even formation of free pyruvate ([C₃ H₃ O₃ ]^- ) is observed. Implications of the observed CO₂ reactivity for the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide, and to biochemical and artificial photosynthesis is briefly discussed. Detailed potential energy diagrams obtained by the quantum chemical calculations offer models consistent with experimental observation.

Coordination-induced CO2 fixation into carbonate by metal oxides

Infrared spectroscopic studies reveal how the coordination induces CO₂ fixation into carbonate by a cationic yttrium oxide model catalyst.

Infrared ion spectroscopy inside a mass-selective cryogenic 2D linear ion trap

We demonstrate operation of the first cryogenic 2D linear ion trap (LIT) with mass-selective capabilities. This trap presents a number of advantages for infrared ion "action" spectroscopy studies, particularly those employing the "tagging/messenger" spectroscopy approach. The high trapping efficiencies, trapping capacities, and low detection limits make 2D LITs a highly suitable choice for low-concentration analytes from scarce biological samples. In our trap, ions can be cooled down to cryogenic temperatures to achieve higher-resolution infrared spectra, and individual ions can be mass selected prior to irradiation for a background-free photodissociation scheme. Conveniently, multiple tagged analyte ions can be mass isolated and efficiently irradiated in the same experiment, allowing their infrared spectra to be recorded in parallel. This multiplexed approach is critical in terms of increasing the duty cycle of infrared ion spectroscopy, which is currently a key weakness of the technique. The compact design of this instrument, coupled with powerful mass selection capabilities, set the stage for making cryogenic infrared ion spectroscopy viable as a bioanalytical tool in small molecule identification.