UNEXPECTED DISPLACEMENT OF ALKENES BY ALKANES IN THE REACTIONS OF Y(ALKENE)2+ - AN EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORETICAL-STUDY

Ligand-displacement reactions in the gas phase using Fourier transform mass spectrometry yield the following metal-ligand bond energy order for Y2+: CH4, C2H6 < C2H2, C2H4 < C3H8 < C3H6 < C4H10 < C4H6. The unexpected displacement of alkenes by alkanes in the reactions of Y (alkene)2+ is explained by a detailed theoretical treatment, which indicates that Y2+ binds primarily by electrostatic interactions. As an aid to the discussion, Sc2+ and Cu+ are also considered.