Formation of the end-on bonded OTiNN dinitrogen complex and its photoconversion to the side-on bonded OTi(N2) molecule

Matrix isolation infrared spectra and density functional calculations of the end-on and side-on bonded titanium monoxide–dinitrogen complexes were reported. These species were prepared by the reactions of laser-evaporated titanium monoxide with N2 or titanium atom with N2O in solid argon. The ground state TiO molecules or Ti atoms reacted with N2 or N2O to form the end-on bonded OTiNN complex spontaneously on annealing. This complex rearranged to the side-on bonded OTi(N2) molecule upon visible light irradiation.