Electronic properties of organometallic metal-benzene complexes [M-n(benzene)(m) (M = Sc-Cu)]

Neutral metal-benzene complexes, M-n(benzene)(m) (M = Sc to Cu), are produc ed for all of the 3d transition metals in the gas phase by using the laser vaporization method. These species are characterized by mass spectrometry, photoionization spectroscopy, and chemical probe experiments. Depending on the metal, there are two types of structures for M-n(benzene)(m): multiple- decker sandwich structures and metal clusters fully covered with benzene mo lecules (rice-ball structures). The former sandwich structure is characteri stic of the complexes for early transition metals (Sc-V), whereas the latte r is formed for late transition metals (Fe-Ni). Electronic structures of M- 1(benzene)(x) (x = 1, 2) complexes are investigated through systematic meas urements of ionization energies (E-i's).