Oxidation reactions at variably sized transition metal centers: Fen+ and Nbn+ + O2 (N=1-3)

Cross sections for the reactions of Fen+ and Nbn+ (n = 1-3) with 02 are measured as a function of kinetic energy over a range of 0 to > 10 eV. In all systems, analysis yields insight into the kinetics and thermochemistry of the oxidation processes. Nbn+ reaction with 02 exothermically near the Langevin-Gioumousis-Stevenson close-collision limit, driven by formation of strong NbO+ and NbO bonds. Fen+ are less reactive, although oxidation becomes progressively more facile as the size of the reactant increases from Fe+ to Fe3+ .