Gas phase reactivity of the organometallic complex [Fe(C10H8)]+: an ion trap study

Using an ion trap, we investigated the reactions of [Fe(C10H8)]+ with a variety of small molecules L known to be present or close to existing molecules in the interstellar medium. These reactions generally yield stable adducts [Fe(C10H8)L]+. Under visible irradiation, the ligand L is eliminated and the initial complex is restored. The reactions performed with O2 are of special interest. A spontaneous oxidation is observed, leading to the ejection of an H2O fragment and the formation of a new cationic complex [Fe(C10H6O)]+. This complex releases a CO molecule under visible irradiation, indicating that a carbon ring has been attacked. A further oxidation of [Fe(C10H6O)]+ leads to the formation of a new species [FeC9H5O2]+. Reasonable assumptions concerning the structure of the different products are proposed.