ALKANE MOLECULES AS LIGANDS OF CU-PHASE( ION IN THE GAS)

The formation of mono and bis adducts of Cu+ ion with alkane molecules has been studied using a multiquadrupole mass spectrometer. Alkali ca tions do not react under those conditions, in agreement with a stronge r bond involved with Cu+. Kinetic study of the association of Cu+ with cyclohexane showed that Cu+ reaction is first-order relatively to cyc lohexane, indicating a remarkably long lifetime of the intermediate ex cited adduct. Rigidity of the alkane molecule decreases the stability of the corresponding adduct.