Hydrogen-Assisted C?C Coupling on the Reaction of CuC3H? Cluster Anions with CO

A fundamental study on C?C coupling that is the crucial step in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) process to obtain multi-carbon products is of great importance to tailor catalysts and then guide a more promising pathway. It has been demonstrated that the coupling of CO with the metal carbide can represent the early stage in the FTS process, while the related mechanism is elusive. Herein, the reactions of the CuC3H– and CuC3– cluster anions with CO have been studied by using mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations. The experimental results showed that the coupling of CO with the C3H– moiety of CuC3H– can generate the exclusive ion product COC3H–. The reactivity and selectivity of this reaction are greatly higher than that on the reaction of CuC3– with CO, and this H-assisted C?C coupling process was rationalized by theoretical calculations.