The ultraviolet photofragmentation of doubly charged transition metal complexes in the gas phase: Initial results for [Cu.(pyridine)(n)](2+) and [Ag.(pyridine)(n)](2+) ions

Results are presented of a study of the UV photofragmentation patterns of t he doubly charged complexes [Cu.(pyridine)(n)](2+) and [Ag.(pyridine)(n)](2 +) for n=4-7. The two systems behave very differently, with Ag(II) being do minated by the presence of charge transfer products at small values of n. T his ease of reduction of Ag(II) can be equated to behavior seen in the cond ensed phase. At all values of n both types of complex display a remarkable tendency to fragment to the most stable configuration, which can correspond to either a singly or doubly charged ion. (C) 2000 American Institute of P hysics. [S0021- 9606(00)01418-5].