The gas-phase ligand exchange of select magnesium and copper beta-diketonate complexes.

RATIONALE: While much of the interest and application of beta-diketonate complexes has focused predominately on the condensed phases, we report on the prevalence of gas-phase ligand exchange reactions leading to the formation of novel species.

METHODS: Gas-phase ligand exchange reactions of Mg(eeac)2 and Mg(tftm)2 complexes with Cu(acac)2 , Cu(tftm)2 , Cu(dbm)2 , and Cu(eeac)2 were investigated using a direct insertion electron impact triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The collision cell of the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was also employed to examine the gas-phase reactions between mass-selected ions and specific neutral target compounds.

RESULTS: The gas-phase mixed ligand products of [Mg(acac)(eeac)]+ , [Cu(acac)(eeac)]+ , [Mg(eeac)(tftm)]+ , [Cu(eeac)(tftm)]+ , [Mg(acac)(tftm)]+ , and [Mg(dbm)(tftm)]+ were formed following the co-sublimation of hetero-metal precursors and are reported herein for the first time. The corresponding fragmentation patterns of the precursor and mixed ligand species are also presented.

CONCLUSIONS: Several gas-phase ligand exchange reactions were observed leading to the formation of both mixed and complete ligand exchange products. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.