Contribution of a δ-Orbital Electron to a Quadruple Metal-Metal Bond. A Direct Experimental Measure from Vibrational Fine Structure in the δ Ionization of MO2(O2CCH3)4

Dennis L. Lichtenberger, Charles H. Blevins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

The first observation of metal-metal vibrational fine structure in a photoelectron band is reported. Attention is focused on the predominantly metal “δ” ionization band (arising from production of the 2B2g positive ion state) of Mo2(O2CCH3)4. From our high-resolution and high signal-to-noise He I ionization data collection techniques, we have observed within this band approximately 20 members of the vibrational progression predominantly corresponding to the totally symmetric (alg) metal-metal stretching mode in the 2B2g positive ion state. The metal-metal stretching frequency is found to be lower in the 2B2g state than in the ground state, indicating an appreciable reduction of metal-metal bond strength upon the loss of the δ-bonding electron. This stretching frequency is also lower than that observed in the 1A2u (δδ*) electronic excited state of the neutral molecule as obtained from absorption techniques. A normal Franck-Condon analysis of the vibrational progression in the 2B2g positive ion state reveals that the equilibrium metal-metal bond distance is substantially longer than in the ground state of the molecule and, in addition, is longer than in the 1A2u electronic excited state. The comparatively low metal-metal vibrational frequency and long bond length indicate that, in addition to the change in bond order upon ionization, the change in the metal oxidation state also serves an important role in determining the strength of the resultant metal-metal interaction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1636-1641
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume106
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 1984

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Chemistry(all)
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Contribution of a δ-Orbital Electron to a Quadruple Metal-Metal Bond. A Direct Experimental Measure from Vibrational Fine Structure in the δ Ionization of MO2(O2CCH3)4'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this