Preparation and study of the Fe sub 2 sup + -benzyne ion in the gas phase

The results of a study of the preparation and reactivity of the Fe{sup +}{sub 2}-benzyne ion in the gas phase is reported herein. This study continues the investigation into the reactivity of transition-metal dinuclear ions as compared with their constituent monoatomic ionic species. The enhanced reactivity of Fe{sup +}{sub 2}-benzyne over the Fe{sub 2}{sup +} is thought to be due to two effects: (1) the ligand polarizes or in some way changes the electronic structure of the metal center to prevent oxidative addition and (2) the combination of the highly unsaturated benzyne ligand provides a very efficient pathway for further reaction steps following initial metal center oxidative insertion. 24 refs., 1 tab.