title: Vibrational spectroscopy of intermediates in benzene-to-pheno conversion by FeO+.
abstract: Gas-phase FeO(+) can convert benzene to phenol under thermal conditions. Two key intermediates of this reaction are the [HO-Fe-C(6)H(5)](+) insertion intermediate and Fe(+)(C(6)H(5)OH) exit channel complex. These intermediates are selectively formed by reaction of laser ablated Fe(+) with specific organic precursors and are cooled in a supersonic expansion. Vibrational spectra of the sextet and quartet states of the intermediates in the O-H stretching region are measured by infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD). For Fe(+)(C(6)H(5)OH), the O-H stretch is observed at 3598 cm(-1). Photodissociation primarily produces Fe(+) + C(6)H(5)OH; Fe(+)(C(6)H(4)) + H(2)O is also observed. IRMPD of [HO-Fe-C(6)H(5)](+) mainly produces FeOH(+) + C(6)H(5) and the O-H stretch spectrum consists of a peak at approximately 3700 cm(-1) with a shoulder at approximately 3670 cm(-1). Analysis of the experimental results is aided by comparison with hybrid density functional theory computed frequencies. Also, an improved potential energy surface for the FeO(+) + C(6)H(6) reaction is developed based on CBS-QB3 calculations for the reactants, intermediates, transition states, and products.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
authors.forename: Gokhan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Altinay
authors.forename: Ricardo B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Metz