The oxidation induced formation of metallocarbohedrene ions

Oxidation reactions of titanium metallocarbohedrenes (Met-Cars) and their derivatives are studied using a SIDT-LV (selected ion drift tube with laser vaporization source) and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, both operated at near thermal energies. A surprising finding is the selective and sole production of Ti8C12+, in the reactions of neutral metal-carbon species with oxygen. However, no Met-Car ions are formed when these neutral Met-Cars derivatives are interacted with other potentially reactive neutral molecules, including N2O and Cl-2. The mechanisms for this oxidation induced ionization are discussed in light of oxidation induced excitation and thermionic emission. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.