INERT-GAS CLUSTERS OF C-6(F-6+) - THE EVOLUTION FROM ISOLATED ION TO SOLID MATRIX

Simultaneous laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra and time-of-flight mass spectra have been recorded for ionic clusters, C6F 6+·Rn where R = He, Ne, and Ar. These spectra span the regime of clusters extending from the isolated ion to the ion located in the corresponding inert-gas matrix (except He). The conclusions of these studies include the following. Abundant clusters with n = 1 and 2 exist in symmetrical forms with one atom above and below the benzene plane. Such configurations appear, however, to be evolutionary dead ends with respect to the ultimate matrix structure. Rather, the latter likely corresponds to several inert-gas atoms sharing more or less equally the cationic charge on each side of the ring. From our results, it may be speculated that most of the essential features of the matrix LIF spectra are obtained with the completion of what is roughly the first solvent shell in the cluster, 6-10 atoms, depending upon the inert gas. © 1990 American Institute of Physics.