GAS-PHASE ION-MOLECULE REACTIONS OF METHYLSILANE AND METHYLGERMANE BYION-TRAP MASS-SPECTROMETRY

Self-condensation processes of CH3SiH3 have been examined by ion trap mass spectrometry at 60-degrees-C and 7.0 x 10(-5) Torr helium pressur e. Different reaction pathways have been identified, which occur with elimination of SiH4, SiH2, H-2, or SiH3 or without elimination of neut ral fragments. Ionic relative abundances in typical self-condensation experiments and their variations with reaction time are reported for C H3SiH3, SiH4, CH3GeH3, and GeH4. The results are discussed and compare d also with respect to the relevance of these compounds in the prepara tion of materials interesting for their photovoltaic properties.