Xenon-transition metal bonds

Key properties of noble gases are summarized in Table 1 other properties are in refs. 6 and 11. The formation and detection of M-Ng bonds provide many of the same challenges as for transition metal-alkane bonds. Comparison of spectra and energetics of species such as Cr(CO)5Xe and Cr(CO)s(alkane) points to further similarities in bond enthalpies. Recent reviews tackle complexes of alkanes in detail . Since investigations of alkane complexes are more frequent than those of xenon complexes, we may use these results to anticipate the formation of further M-Ng bonds [e.g., to HMn(CO)4]. 

Inert gases decrease the work function of transition metals [53-55]. Although their bonding is weak, they exhibit detectable surface-structure sensitivity. This has been particularly well demonstrated for the adsorption of xenon. Review the available literature and discuss the nature of inert gas bonding to metal substrates that gives rise to these effects. 

---