Theoretical study of metal ions bound to He, Ne, and Ar

Spectroscopy is used to study metal ions bound to He, Ne, and Ar. Calculated binding energies are 20% less than experimental values due to limitations of the theory used. Ions with an occupied S orbital have smaller binding energies than those with an occupied 3 dn+1 since the small noble-gas polarizabilities don't have a strong enough interaction to polarize the metal S orbital. Thus, Ar>Ne>He as far as binding energies and He>Ne>Ar as far as bond length. Binding energies for those without an occupied S orbital go Ar>He or Ne. 30 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs