Activation of the C-I and C-OH bonds of 2-iodoethanol by gas phase silver cluster cations yields subvalent silver-iodide and -hydroxide cluster cations

Abstract

The gas phase ion-molecule reactions of silver cluster cations (Ag n+) and silver hydride cluster cations (Ag mH+) with 2-iodoethanol have been examined using multistage mass spectrometry experiments in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. These clusters exhibit size selective reactivity: Ag 2H+, Ag3+, and Ag4H + undergo sequential ligand addition only, while Ag5 + and Ag6H+ also promote both C-I and C-OH bond activation of 2-iodoethanol. Collision induced dissociation (CID) of Ag 5HIO+, the product of C-I and C-OH bond activation by Ag5+, yielded Ag4OH+, Ag 4I+ and Ag3+, consistent with a structure containing AgI and AgOH moieties. Ag6H+ promotes both C-I and C-OH bond activation of 2-i..