STABLE CU(II) COORDINATION-COMPLEXES IN THE GAS-PHASE

New results are presented from a technique which appears capable of pr oducing 'tailor-made' complexes from a variety of metals and ligands. Data are presented for [Cu.({CH3}(2)CO)(n)](2+), [Cu.(C2H4)(n)](2+) an d [Cu.(NH3)(n)](2+). Two of these, [Cu.({CH3}(2)CO)(n)](2+) and [Cu.(C 2H4)(n)](2+), conform to the expected pattern in terms of the most sta ble co-ordination number and current views of bonding. However, the re sults for [Cu.(NH3)(n)](2+) complexes do not fit any of the existing p ictures of Cu(LI) solvated in concentrated ammonia. To account for thi s observation, it is proposed that hydrogen bonding makes an important secondary contribution to the solvation of Cu(II). (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.