Ion clustering reactions in carbon monoxide

Abstract

Ion−molecule reactions in carbon monoxide have been studied in a drift tube ion source of a quadrupole mass filter. Pressures to approximately 0.35 torr and temperatures from 174−280°K were employed. CO⁺ was found to add up to three molecules of CO. The first and second of these appear to be attached irreversibly, probably by true chemical bonds. Small amounts of water present as impurity contribute to the formation of several product ions, the most important of which is at m/e 46, which we interpret to be the formic acid ion. Rate constants of seven reactions have been determined at each temperature. No equilibria were detected.