Reactions of germanium atoms and small clusters with CO:: Experimental and theoretical characterization of Ge,CO (N=1-5) and Ge2(CO)2 in solid argon

Reactions of germanium atoms and small clusters with carbon monoxide molecules in solid argon have been studied using matrix isolation infrared absorption spectroscopy. Besides the previously reported GeCO monocarbonyl, the Ge-2(CO)(2) and GenCO (n = 2-5) carbonyl molecules are formed spontaneously on annealing and are characterized on the basis of isotopic substitution and theoretical calculations. It is found that Ge2CO, Ge3CO, and Ge5CO are bridge-bonded carbonyl compounds, whereas Ge-2(CO)(2) and Ge4CO are terminal-bonded carbonyl molecules.