Gas-phase syntheses of three isomeric C5H2 radical anions and their elusive neutrals.: A joint experimental and theoretical study

Three different radical anions of the empirical formula C5H2 have been generated by negative ion chemical lionization mass spectrometry in the gas phase. The isomers C4CH2.-, C2CHC2H.-, and HC5H.- have been synthesized by unequivocal routes and their connectivities confirmed by deuterium labeling, charge reversal, and neutralization reionization experiments. The results also provide evidence for the existence of neutrals C4CH2, C2CHC2H, and HC5H as stable species; this is the first reported observation of C2CHC2H. Ab initio calculations confirm these structures to be minima on the anion and neutral potential energy surfaces.