Ionization of tetraethylgermanium, GeEt4

The ion chemistry in tetraethylgermanium (GeEt4) has been examined by Fouri er-transform mass spectrometry under single-collision conditions in the 10( -7) torr pressure range. The cross sections for electron impact ionization of GeEt4 are measured from threshold to 70 eV. The molecular ion and 15 fra gment ions from the electron-molecule collision are observed with a total c ross section of 3.5 +/- 0.4 x 10(-15) cm(2) at 70 eV. All fragment ions, ex cept GeC6H15+, are found to react readily with GeEt4 to yield GeC6H15+ with rate coefficients in the range of 2-5 x 10(-10) cm(3) s(-1). Small yields of digermanium cluster ions are observed at higher reactant pressures.