REACTIONS OF TITANIUM-CARBON CLUSTER CATIONS WITH ACETONE - NEW EVIDENCE FOR THE STABILITY OF THE MET-CARS

Reactivities of titanium-carbon clusters with acetone are investigated using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled with a laser vapo rization source. Unlike the Met-Car Ti8C12+, the other titanium-carbon clusters studied here show some degree of chemical reactivity toward acetone. In addition to reacting via association channels, the carbon- poor cluster Ti8C11+ is able to break the chemical bonds of acetone. I t is also observed that the carbon-rich clusters Ti8C13+ and Ti8C14+ c an undergo reactive loss of carbon, leading to the Ti8C12+ species (Me t-Car) upon interaction with the acetone reactant. These studies provi de new insight into the reactivities of transition metal-carbon cluste rs and further evidence for the stability of Met-Cars.