This book discusses current techniques and instrumentation for cluster chemistry. It addresses both the experimental and theoretical aspects of gas-phase metal cluster reactivities, especially those pertaining to pollution removal, energetic reactions and corrosion and anticorrosion. These metal cluster systems have attracted enormous interest as they display a completely new class of physical, chemical, electronic, magnetic and catalytic properties. As these properties change with size and composition, it can thus be understood how their nature evolves from atoms to bulk solids. The book offers readers a basic understanding of the structural chemistry and reactivity of metal clusters in both gas-phase and wet chemistry. Further, the lessons they learn here regarding metal cluster chemistry will prepare researchers for the study of condensed phase dynamics that pertain to wet chemical synthesis, soft-landing deposition and cluster assembly.

Transition metal carbonyl clusters (TMCCs) continue to inspire great interest in chemical research, as much for their fascinating structures as for potential industrial applications conferred by their unique properties. This highly accessible book introduces the bonding, structure, spectroscopic properties, and characterization of clusters, and then explores their synthesis, reactivity, reaction mechanisms and use in organic synthesis and catalysis. Transition Metal Carbonyl Cluster Chemistry describes models and rules that correlate cluster structure with electron count, which are then applied in worked examples. Subsequent chapters explain how bonding relates to molecular structure, demonstrate the use of spectroscopic techniques such as NMR, IR and MS in cluster chemistry, and outline the factors contributing to the stability, dynamics and reactivity of clusters. The second part of this book discusses the synthesis and applications of TMCCs. It emphasizes the differences between the reactivities of clusters vs. mononuclear metal complexes, contingent to the availability of multiple-bonding sites and heterosite reactivity. The final chapters discuss reactions in which clusters act as homogeneous catalysts; including discussion on the use of solid and biphasic liquid-liquid supported clusters in heterogeneous catalysts. A useful reference for those commencing further research or post-graduate study on metal carbonyl clusters and advanced organometallic chemistry, this book is also a cornerstone addition to academic and libraries as well as private collections.

Metal clusters, an intermediate state between molecules and the extended solid, show peculiar bonding and reactivity patterns. Their significance is critical to many areas, including air pollution, interstellar matter, clay minerals, photography, catalysis, quantum dots, and virus crystals. In Aromaticity and Metal Clusters, dozens of international experts explore not only the basic aspects of aromaticity, but also the structures, properties, reactivity, stability, and other consequences of the aromaticity of a variety of metal clusters. Although the concept of aromaticity has been known for nearly two centuries, there is no way to measure it experimentally and no theoretical formula to calculate it. In order to gain insight into its exact nature, the authors of this volume examine various indirect characteristics such as geometrical, electronic, magnetic, thermodynamic, and reactivity considerations. The book begins by discussing the evolution of aromaticity from benzene to atomic clusters. Next, more specialized chapters focus on areas of significant interest. Topics discussed include: Computational studies on molecules with unusual aromaticity Electronic shells and magnetism in small metal clusters A density functional investigation on the structures, energetics, and properties of sodium clusters through electrostatic guidelines and molecular tailoring The correlation between electron delocalization and ring currents in all metallic aromatic compounds Phenomenological shell model and aromaticity in metal clusters Rationalizing the aromaticity indexes used to describe the aromatic behavior of metal clusters 5f orbital successive aromatic and antiaromatic zones in triangular uranium cluster chemistry This collection of diverse contributions, composed of the work of scientists worldwide, is destined to not only answer puzzling questions about the nature of aromaticity, but also to provoke further inquiry in the minds of researchers.

Atomic clusters are aggregates of atoms containing a few to several thousand atoms. Due to the small size of these pieces of matter, the properties of atomic clusters in general are different from those of the corresponding material in the macroscopic bulk phase. This monograph presents the main developments of atomic clusters and the current status of the field. The book treats different types of clusters with very different properties: clusters in which the atoms or molecules are tied by weak van der Waals interactions, metallic clusters, clusters of ionic materials, and network clusters made of typical covalent elements. It includes methods of experimental cluster synthesis as well as the structural, electronic, thermodynamic and magnetic properties of clusters, covering both experiments and the theoretical work that has led to our present understanding of the different properties of clusters. The question of assembling nanoclusters to form solids with new properties is also considered. Having an adequate knowledge of the properties of clusters can be of great help to any scientist working with objects of nanometric size. On the other hand, nanoclusters are themselves potentially important in fields like catalysis and nanomedicine.

Cluster chemistry is one of the recent, exciting areas of Inorganic Chemistry. The occurence of molecular clusters, like fullerene C60, constitutes a fundamental feature midway between the chemistry of isolated chemical compounds and that of the elements. Main features of the Cluster Chemistry of both main group and transition metal elements are treated in this book. The author highlights aspects releated to the synthesis, the structure, the special bonding and the reactivity of these species. The book is written as a textbook for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students. References in tables andillustrations permit the reader to reach relevant original information. Professor Gonzalez-Moraga fills a demand for a publication appropriate for dissemination and specially for teaching this exciting subject. From the Contents: Current Concepts in Modern Chemistry - Transition Metal Cluster Chemistry - Main Group-Transition Metal Mixed Clusters - Cluster Compounds of the Main Group Elements - Synthetic Analogues of the Active Sites of Iron-Sulfur Proteins.

Research on metal clusters (compounds with metal-metal bonds) has undergone explosive growth and the subject is now perhaps one of the hottest'' topics in organometallic chemistry. The prospect of catalytic applications has motivated a large part of the research mentioned in this book - the long term goal being to exploit the unique properties of metal clusters to prepare catalysts with new activities and selectivities. This is the first book to address the role of metal clusters in catalysis. The coverage is up-to-date and is particularly comprehensive, ranging from molecular chemistry of clusters (synthesis, structure, thermochemistry, reactivity, and homogeneous catalysis) to supported clusters (molecular analogues on polymers, and metal oxides and metals in zeolite cages). Preparation by methods of organometallic surface chemistry and metal atom chemistry and characterization of surface structures by physical methods are highlighted. Concepts unifying metal cluster chemistry and the chemistry of metal surfaces are elucidated. Of particular value to the user will be the cluster and subject indexes. The cluster index is organized in alphabetical order according to the metal.

Heterogeneous catalysis provides the backbone of the world's chemical and oil industries. The innate complexity of practical catalytic systems suggests that useful progress should be achievable by investigating key aspects of catalysis by experimental studies on idealised model systems. Thin films and supported clusters are two promising types of model system that can be used for this purpose, since they mimic important aspects of the properties of practical dispersed catalysts. Similarly, appropriate theoretical studies of chemisorption and surface reaction clusters or extended slab systems can provide valuable information on the factors that underlie bonding and catalytic activity. This volume describes such experimental and theoretical approaches to the surface chemistry and catalytic behaviour of metals, metal oxides and metal/metal oxide systems. An introduction to the principles and main themes of heterogeneous catalysis is followed by detailed accounts of the application of modern experimental and theoretical techniques to fundamental problems. The application of advanced experimental methods is complemented by a full description of theoretical procedures, including Hartree-Fock, density functional and similar techniques. The relative merits of the various approaches are considered and directions for future progress are indicated.