Infrared Spectra of the Novel Sn₂H₂ Species and the Reactive SnH₁,₂,₃ and PbH₁,₂,₃ Intermediates in Solid Neon, Deuterium, and Argon

Laser-ablated Sn atoms and H 2 molecules in excess neon and argon react during condensation to produce SnH 1,2,3,4 as identified from infrared spectra with D 2 and HD substitution, and from agreement with frequencies calculated by density functional theory. The novel ditin species Sn 2 H 2 is also formed in further reactions. The PbH 1,2,3 intermediates are produced in analogous experiments. All four tin deuterides and the first three lead deuterides are observed in pure deuterium. Evidence is presented for the photosensitive MH 3 - and MH 2 - anions formed through electron capture processes.