Alkali-metal ion/molecule association reactions and their applications to mass spectrometry

This review will be concerned primarily with thermal alkali-metal ion association reactions of the general type: A+ + M + N reversible (A + M)+ + N. Where A denotes a positively charged alkali metal ion, M is neutral species and N works as a third body. As indicated, most association reactions are reversible, and the A-M bond derives primarily from electrostatic forces whose energy (affinity) is typically 50 kcal/mol or less, often much less. The review includes reaction mechanism, instrumentation, and application to mass spectrometry, together with reaction rates and alkali ion affinities of the classified compounds.