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Free keywords:
Condensation reactions;
Laser desorption;
Mass spectrometry;
Titanium;
Zirconium
Abstract:
Oligomer formation from partially hydrolyzed Group 4 alkoxides has been monitored in solution for the first time with a new mass spectrometric technique called laser-induced liquid beam ionization/desorption (LILBID) (shown schematically). The mass spectra show continuous series of clusters from monomers up to oligomers with a mass of several thousand, and distinctive maxima in the distribution indicate preferential cluster sizes. Condensation reactions set in when at least three equivalents of water are added to the methanolic alkoxide solutions, and accordingly a shift to higher m/z is observed in the mass spectra. The oligomers thus formed are supposed to be precursors in the process of crystal growth.
