N–O versus N–N bond activation in reaction of N2O with carbon cluster ions: Experimental and ab initio studies of the effects of geometric and electronic structure

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Abstract
We report a combined experimental and theoretical study of the reaction of small carbon cluster cations with N2O aimed at understanding the reaction mechanism and how it is affected by the electronic and geometric structure of the C+n reactants. Cross sections for reaction of C+n (n=3–12) with N2O were measured over a collision energy range from 0.1–10 eV, using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. Ab initio calculations were used to examine the structure and energetics of reactant and product species. Small clusters, which are linear, react with no activation barrier, resulting in either oxide or nitride formation. The branching between oxide and nitride channels shows a strong even–odd alternation, with even clusters preferentially forming nitrides. This appears to be correlated with an even/odd alternation in the ionization potential of the CnN. The larger, monocyclic C+n have activation barriers for reaction, and a completely different product distribution. Secondary reactions of the primary oxide and nitride products were studied at high N2O pressures. Products containing two O or two N atoms are not observed, but it is possible to add one of each. Possible reaction mechanisms are discussed and supported by thermochemistry derived from spin restricted ab initio calculations.