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A novel approach is used to synthesize a stable, ligated copper(I) carbene in the gas phase that is capable of typical metal carbenoid chemistry. However, it is shown that copper(I) carbenes generally undergo rapid unimolecular rearrangements including insertions into copper-ligand bonds and Wolff rearrangements. The results indicate that most copper(I) carbenes are inherently unstable and would not be viable intermediates in condensed-phase applications; an alternative intermediate that is less prone to rearrangements is required. Computational data suggest that ylides formed by the complexation of the carbene with solvent or other weak nucleophiles are viable intermediates in the reactions of copper(I) carbenes.

The rates and products from the gas-phase reactions of Co(III) salens with ethyl and t-butyl diazoacetate were examined. Addition with loss of N(2) is observed, and substituent effects as well as DFT calculations indicate that addition is rate determining. Calculations suggest that the carbene species involve novel structures with the carbenic carbon bridging between the cobalt and a salen oxygen. Collision-induced dissociation leads to an unusual, bridged metal/ketene species.

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