Synthesis in Flying Nanoreactors: Noble Gas Hydrides

Abstract

Current development in chemistry of noble-gas compounds, in particular hydrides, is briefly reviewed. Research in this field led to the first argon compound HArF and to formation of several new types of bonds (Xe-H, Xe-S, Xe-Br, Xe-I, Kr-H, Kr-C, Kr-Cl). The hydrides were originally synthesized in the noble-gas matrices. Recently, they have been also prepared in the gas phase in our laboratory, which points to their inherent stability. Fundamental aspects of structure and stability of noble-gas hydrides are discussed with special attention to the preparation and properties of HXeCCH as a case-study molecule. The principles of the state-of-the-art molecular beams used to synthesize this molecule are outlined. Quantum chemical calculations are demonstrated to be a valuable tool in interpretation of experimental findings.