Using electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry to explore formation and gas‐phase chemistry of silver nanoclusters generated from the reaction of silver salts with NaBH₄ in the presence of bis(diphenylarsino)methane

Abstract

Electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) of mixtures of AgBF 4 or AgNO 3 with the capping ligand bis(diphenylarsino)methane ((Ph 2 As) 2 CH 2 = dpam) in a solution of acetonitrile revealed the formation of the following cations: [Ag(CH 3 CN) (dpam)] + , [Ag(dpam) 2 ] + , [Ag 2 (Cl)(dpam) 2 ] + , and [Ag 3 (Cl) 2 (dpam) 3 ] + . Addition of NaBH 4 to these solutions results in the formation of the cluster cations [Ag 2 (BH 4 )(dpam) 2 ] + ,

Towards determining molecular structure with ESI-MS backed by computational methods: structures of subnanoclusters of Pd and Cu chlorides, ion dynamics in vacuum, and challenges to the methodology

“…4 Such an advantageous combination makes this analytic technique ideal for studies of systems that undergo time evolution as catalytic solutions. Other (colloid) solutions of organic and organometallic compounds, such as (nano)clusters and transition metal complexes, have been effectively studied with ESI-MS. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] However, the analysis of (colloid) solutions with ESI-MS is a tedious and time-consuming activity that requires expert knowledge. 3,21 Inefficient automation of spectral analysis significantly slows research on various complex catalytic systems based on transition metals.…”

“…Tandem or energy-dependent MS is often (and efficiently) used to gain a better understanding of the structure of transition metal complexes and clusters, including catalytically active complexes. 3,10,13,[30][31][32][33] However, MS/MS experiments require elaborate post-experimental analysis by a researcher. If the chemical space of possible reactions in solution is unknown a priori (which is the case for some systems of ( pre)catalysts), manual peak assignment is further complicated.…”

“…4 Such an advantageous combination makes this analytic technique ideal for studies of systems that undergo time evolution as catalytic solutions. Other (colloid) solutions of organic and organometallic compounds, such as (nano)clusters and transition metal complexes, have been effectively studied with ESI-MS. 5–20…”