Effective N2 capture by aryl cations at ambient temperature and pressure

Abstract

Here, we show that molecular N₂ was efficiently captured by organic arylium cations in a well-defined manner at ambient pressure and temperature, which was monitored by on-line mass spectrometry analysis. A kinetic picture was proposed to disclose the principle of the ion–molecule reaction behavior for exclusive aryldiazonium production. The observation has an implication for direct nitrogen fixation into an organic framework via the intermediacy of such cationic species.