M4C9 +(M = Ti, V): New gas phase clusters

New metal–carbon clusters, M4C9 + (M = Ti, V), generated using a combined thermal arc discharge evaporation set-up, have been studied with quadrupole mass spectrometry. Reactivities of these clusters have been investigated by means of association reactions with H2O. Metal–carbon clusters of other compositions have also been studied. We speculate on the mechanism of formation of larger metal–carbon clusters.