Gas-phase chemistry of Sc(CH3)2+ with alkenes: activation of allylic C-H bonds by a d0 system and the migratory insertion of C double bond C bonds into Sc+-CH3 bonds

Fourier transform mass spectrometry provided insight into the gas-phase chemistry of Sc(CH3)2+ with alkenes. Ethylene is the only alkene examined that reacts with Sc(CH3)2+ through a multi-centered eta-bond metathesis mechanism to stimulate allylic C-H bonds. The metal (1-butene)isomer is between 10 and 20 kcal/mol less stable than the metal(methyl)(allyl) structure.