GAS-PHASE REACTIVITY OF THE ORGANOMETALLIC COMPLEX [FE(C10H8)](- AN ION-TRAP STUDY() )

Using an ion trap, we investigated the reactions of [Fe(C10H8)](+) wit h a variety of small molecules L known to be present or close to exist ing molecules in the interstellar medium. These reactions generally yi eld stable adducts [Fe(C10H8)L](+). Under visible irradiation, the lig and L is eliminated and the initial complex is restored. The reactions performed with O-2 are of special interest. A spontaneous oxidation i s observed, leading to the ejection of an H2O fragment and the formati on of a new cationic complex [Fe(C10H6O)](+). This complex releases a CO molecule under visible irradiation, indicating that a carbon ring h as been attacked. A further oxidation of [Fe(C10H6O)](+) leads to the formation of anew species [FeC9H5O2](+). Reasonable assumptions concer ning the structure of the different products are proposed.