Generation, Stability, and Reactivity of Small, Multiply Charged Ions in the Gas Phase

Experimental and computational studies of small, multiply charged ions are of topical interest in chemistry and physics. Moreover, the increasing use of multiply charged ions in the analysis of environmental and biological samples calls for an improvement of the understanding of the fundamental properties of multiply charged ions at a molecular level. Mass spectrometric techniques in conjunction with advanced theoretical studies provide detailed insight into these aspects. This feature article describes the present state of research on small dications, dianions, and trications. Emphasis is given to thermochemically stable, multiply charged ions, with small trications in particular.