Pulsed-jet discharge matrix isolation and computational study of CX2Br+ (X = H, F)

Pulsed-jet discharge matrix isolation spectroscopy and computational methods were used to characterize the CX2Br+ (X = H, F) ions. Our experiments combined matrix isolation techniques with a pulsed DC discharge nozzle, where a dilute CX2Br2:Ar sample was discharged and the products deposited onto a KBr window held at ∼8 K. This study represents the first spectroscopic observation of CH2Br+, and the first report of the C–Br stretching frequency of CF2Br+. Our results suggest that the primary mechanism for ion formation is ionization/fragmentation of the precursor by collision with metastable rare gas (Ar) atoms.