Condensation, metals during cluster formation

The reaction of Fc2 dimers with methane in a matrix at 77 K gives rise to the formation of species H-FeFe-CHs or FeFe-CHj [26a], Analogously, the C-H bond in alkanes is cleaved by nickel clusters [26b], Methane activation has also been detected during the co-condensation of methane with aluminum atoms at 10 K [26c]. It is noteworthy that under the same conditions, atoms of Mg, Ti, Cr, Fe, Ga, Pd and some other metals do not react with methane. 

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