An X-Ray Photoelectron and X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopic Study of Colloidal [Mn0·0.3THF]x

The formation of colloidal dispersions of Mn is possible via the chemical reduction of MnBr2·2THF. The resulting hydrogen-free organosol is studied in detail by a combination of physical methods, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). It is concluded that the metal colloid consists of small Mn particles in the zero-valent state, stabilized by intact THF molecules. Nanostructured organosols of the early transition metal series are of interest as powerful additives for the activation of heterogeneous hydrogenation catalysts.