Competitive Ion-Molecule Reactions within V + (CH3COOCH3)n Clusters

The importance of transition metal ions in catalyzing the chemical reactions of various organic molecules has prompted extensive experimental and theoretical studies aimed at under- standing the catalytic activity of such ions. In this context, the examination of gas phase ion-molecule reactions within hetero- clusters, which avoids the complications arising from solvent environments and crystalline forces, has great potential for the detailed elucidation of the catalytic activities of transition metal ions and of the changes in the reaction pathways as a function of cluster size. 1