Adsorption and decomposition of Fe(CO)(5) on Cu(111)

The adsorption and decomposition of Fe(CO)(5) molecules on a Cu(lll) surfac e were studied using reflection absorption infra-red spectroscopy (RAIRS). At low coverage, at a substrate temperature of 80 K, Fe(CO)(5) is adsorbed with a D-3h structure, in random orientations on Cu(111). For higher covera ges at 80 K, Fe(CO)(5) undergoes a structural rearrangement to a species wi th C-4v symmetry, oriented such that the CO at the apex is perpendicular, a nd the other four basal COs are near-parallel to the substrate surface. Sig nificant changes in the RAIR spectra at a substrate temperature of 234 K in dicate that decomposition takes place, ultimately resulting in formation of elemental Fe and CO. An intermediate fragment of Fe(CO)(4) is thought to b e produced. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.