Matrix Isolation Infrared Spectroscopic and Density Functional Theoretical Studies on the Reactions of Lanthanum Atoms with Acetylene

Laser-ablated lanthanum atoms have been codeposited at 4 K with acetylene in excess argon. Products, La(C2H2), LaCCH2, HLaCCH, and La-2(C2H2), have been formed in the present experiments and characterized using infrared spectroscopy on the basis of the results of the isotopic shifts, mixed isotopic splitting patterns, stepwise annealing, the change of reagent concentration and laser energy, and the comparison with theoretical predictions. Density functional theory calculations have been performed on these molecules. The agreement between the experimental and calculated vibrational frequencies, relative absorption intensities, and isotopic shifts supports the identification of these molecules from the matrix infrared spectra. Plausible reaction mechanisms have been proposed to account for the formation of these molecules.