The metallo-formate anions, M(CO2)−, M = Ni, Pd, Pt, formed by electron-induced CO2 activation

Abstract

The metallo-formate anions, M(CO₂)⁻, M = Ni, Pd, and Pt, were formed by electron-induced CO₂ activation. They were generated by laser vaporization and characterized by a combination of mass spectrometry, anion photoelectron spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. While neutral transition metal atoms are normally unable to activate CO₂, the addition of an excess electron to these systems led to the formation of chemisorbed anionic complexes. These are covalently bound, formate-like anions, in which their CO₂ moieties are significantly reduced. In addition, we also found evidence for an unexpectedly attractive interaction between neutral Pd atoms and CO₂.