Neutralization-reionization mass spectrometry applied to organometallic and coordination chemistry (update: 1914-1998)

This review presents the results from the last 5 years on neutralization-re ionization mass spectrometry (NRMS) studies of metal-containing ions. The r esults for silicon- and phosphorus-conmining species are also discussed The major aim of NRMS experiments is to generate tin the gas phase) neutrals t hat cannot be easily produced and/or detected in other experimental conditi ons. A variety of elusive complexes of coordinatively unsaturated and satur ated metal(s), including important reaction intermediates, have been produc ed by collisional neutralization of their positively or negatively charged counterparts in the mass spectrometery. The detection of these species help s in understanding the mechanisms of reactions in the gas and condensed pha ses (interstellar chemistry catalytic transformations reactions on surfaces , etc.). The reviewed period of time has been characterized by the developm ent of new experimental techniques. These techniques allow studying stabili ty electronic structure, and reactivity of selected molecules and radicals. The review provides a complete list of metal-, Si-, and P-containing ions that have been studied by using NRMS and related methods prior to 1999. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.