Generation of [Mm-phenyl]− (M = Mn–Cu) complexes in the gas phase: Metal cluster anions inducement of a selective benzene C–H cleavage

This article reports on the generation of [Mm-phenyl]− (M = Mn–Cu) complexes, which are very rare cases in chemistry. Experimental results showed that the typical cation products for the reactions of all 3d transition metal clusters (Sc–Cu) with benzene were different [Mm(C6H6)n]+ (M = Sc–Cu) species, while the typical anion products for the late 3d transition metals were [Mm–C6H5]− (M = Mn–Cu) complexes. Their formation mechanisms, which involve anion metal clusters inducing a selective benzene C–H cleavage in the gas phase, were proposed.