Sebastian Dillinger

• This thesis presents research studies on the fundamental interplay of diatomic molecules with transition metal compounds under cryogenic conditions. The utilized setup offers a multitude of opportunities to study isolated ions: The ions can either be generated by an ElectroSpray Ionization (ESI) source or a Laser VAPorization (LVAP) cluster ion source. The setup facilitates kinetic investigations of the ions with different reaction gases under well-defined isothermal conditions. Moreover it enables cryo InfraRed (Multiple) Photon Dissociation (IR-(M)PD) spectroscopy in combination with tunable OPO/OPA laser systems. In conjunction with density functional theory (DFT) modelling, the IR(M)-PD spectra allow for an assignment of geometric minimum structures. Furthermore DFT modelling helps to identify possible reaction pathways. Altogether the presented methods allow to gain fundamental insights into molecular structures and reactivity of the investigated systems. The first part of this thesis focuses on the interplay of N2 with different transition metal clusters (Con+, Nin+, and Fen+) by cryo IR spectroscopy and cryo kinetics. In conjunction with DFT modelling the N2 coordination was elucidated (Con+), structures were assigned (Nin+), the concept of structure related surface adsorption behavior was introduced (Nin+), and the a first explanation for the inertness if Fe17+ was given (Fen+). Furthermore this thesis provides for a case study on the coadsorption of H2 and N2 on Ru8+ that elucidates the H migration on the Ru cluster. The last part of the thesis addresses the IR spectra of in vacuo generated [Hemin]+ complexes with N2, O2, and CO. Structures and spin states were assigned with the help of DFT modelling.