Fe(CO)5 + Fe(CO)4 -> Fe2(CO)9 mechanism for nanotechnology

Elena S. Apostolova1 ( elena-AT-muctr-DOT-edu-DOT-ru.gif ), A. P. Tikhonov2 ( tikhon-AT-muctr-DOT-edu-DOT-ru.gif )
1Assistant Professor, Department of Quantum Chemistry, D.I.Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Miusskaya Square 9, 125047 Moscow, Russia.
2Dean of the College for Composite Materials,D.I.Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Miusskaya Square 9,125047 Moscow, Russia.

Standardizing of know-hows of synthesizing polymers, contained an immobilized metal particles of nanosize, with beforehand given properties important for microelectronic requires analysis of the mechanism of born of a new phase. The first stage by synthesis of a composite material containing Fe particles of nanosize using Fe(CO)5 thermolysis at 130-160 oC is: Fe(CO)4 + Fe(CO)5 --> Fe2(CO)9 (*). An ab initio study of its mechanism in the pre-reaction complex approach is reported.The method used is second-order Moller-Pleset theory using canonical orbitals (MP2) in the atomic basis set – Fe: (14s9p5d) / [10s8p3d]; C, O: (11s,6p)/[5s,3p]. We have predicted a new Fe(CO)4 conformer as the flat square (D4h) structure in the fundamental singlet electronic state[1], which bond energy BE 96.81 kcal/mol coincides well with the experimental one's 102.3±10.5 kcal/mol. A structure of pre-reaction complex of orbital controlling reaction (*) is discussed.

[1] E.S. Apostolova, A.P. Tikhonov, O.A. Sendjurev// Rus. J. Coordination Chem. (2002) 28 (1) 41.