The Stability and Decomposition of Gaseous [Mn(CO)5]2(μ-SiH2)

The ionic decomposition of gaseous bridge-bonded dimanganese silyl carbonyl [Mn(CO) (μ-SiH ) has been investigated via photon and electron induced ionization mass spectroscopy, as well as gas-phase photoabsorption measurements. The thermodynamic cycle incorporating ionic fragments has been constructed from these results. The thermodynamic cycle illuminates the decomposition process of this organometallic compound. This has potential application in the production of silicide Mn Si coatings by both pyrolysis and by patterned photolysis using an UV laser.