Cluster-to-metal electron transfer in [Mn·(pyridine)n]2+ complexes

Experiments on the collisional activation of [Mn·(pyridine)n]2+ have revealed the presence of a new charge transfer channel, whereby clusters of the form (pyridine)k+ for k⩽3 are observed when n⩽6. Several possible metal–ligand configurations are considered including sandwich and charged-separated structures. It is concluded that the complexes consist of a central doubly charged metal ion, and that electron transfer from a molecule is accompanied by the simultaneous association and removal of nearest neighbour ligands.