GAS-PHASE INORGANIC-CHEMISTRY - HOW IS IT RELEVANT TO CONDENSED-PHASEINORGANIC-CHEMISTRY

Similarities in the methodologies of laser ablation Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and condensed-phase studies are shown. The reactions of bare gas-phase cations with molecules such as benzenethiol, benzene and sulfur are used to show similarities and differences with condensed-phase systems. The similarity of the gas-p hase chemistry of europium Eu+ with that of the Group II ions Ca+, Sr and Ba+ is highlighted. Copper cyanide anions and cations are used to indicate coordination chemistry in the gas phase. Examples are given to show how the observation of gas-phase ions, particularly the metal- sulfide cluster anions has the potential of guiding condensed-phase sy ntheses.