DEHYDROGENATION REACTIONS IN MG+(H2O)(N) CLUSTERS

Experimental observations of the effects of solvation on the dehydroge nation reaction of Mg+(H2O)(n) to produce MgOH+(H2O)(n-1) are presente d for n less than or equal to 6. The reaction is seen to occur spontan eously at room temperature for n>4. Ligand switching reactions are use d to show the Mg+-OH bonds are stronger than Mg+H2O bonds. The results show the energy required to lose an H atom decreases with the number of water molecules attached because the magnesium changes oxidation st ate and this results in stronger interactions with the water ligands. Ab initio calculations are used to explain these observations.