Experimental and theoretical investigation of gas phase FnGe(SH)3-n+ (n = 0 - 2) ion species

The study of gas chemistry allows to gather information regarding the intrinsic reactivity and properties of ‘naked’ species, which are not easily attainable in the condensed phase. In this context, we have recently focused our attention on R1R2R3Ge+ germyl cations, which are interesting reactive intermediates whose ‘naked’ form is readily yielded by gas phase electron ionisation of precursors such as germanium hydrides and fluorides. Starting from the GeF3+ precursor, formation of FnGe(Nu)3-n+ germyl cations is easily attainable, through the reaction with a neutral H-containing nucleophile. Following this reaction pathway, we have studied the consecutive formation of F2Ge(HS)+ and FGe(HS)2+ by ion trap mass spectrometry and high-level ab initio calculations. Although Ge-S ion species in the gas phase are already known, germyl cations with such connectivities are still unexplored. In the present communication, thermochemical and kinetic factors related to their formation were investigated.