The PtAl(-) and PtAl2(-) anions: theoretical and photoelectron spectroscopic characterization.

We report a joint photoelectron spectroscopic and theoretical study of the PtAl(-) and PtAl2(-) anions. The ground state structures and electronic configurations of these species were identified to be C∞v, (1)Σ(+) for PtAl(-), and C2v, (2)B1 for PtAl2(-). Structured anion photoelectron spectra of these clusters were recorded and interpreted using ab initio calculations. Good agreement between theory and experiment was found. All experimental features were successfully assigned to one-electron transitions from the ground state of the anions to the ground or excited states of the corresponding neutral species.