State-specific correlation of coincident product pairs in the F + CD4 reaction

Unraveling Multicomponent Images by Extended Cross Correlation Analysis

In the course of studying the reaction dynamics of F + CH(2)D(2) --> HF + CHD(2), several small features in the (2+1) REMPI spectra of the CHD(2) product were observed. Using the technique of imaging spectroscopy, those new features were identified and assigned to the 2(1)(1), 3(1)(1), and 5(1)(1) bands. The ion velocity-mapped images acquired for those features, however, displayed severe overlaps with each other, rendering data analysis difficult. The extended cross correlation method was then applied for the first time in analyzing the ion images and successfully extracted the genuine pattern of each entangled component, which in turn enables us to focus on the dynamics information embedded in the multicomponent images.

Do Vibrational Excitations of CHD3 Preferentially Promote Reactivity Toward the Chlorine Atom?

The influence of vibrational excitation on chemical reaction dynamics is well understood in triatomic reactions, but the multiple modes in larger systems complicate efforts toward the validation of a predictive framework. Although recent experiments support selective vibrational enhancements of reactivities, such studies generally do not properly account for the differing amounts of total energy deposited by the excitation of different modes. By precise tuning of translational energies, we measured the relative efficiencies of vibration and translation in promoting the gas-phase reaction of CHD3 with the Cl atom to form HCl and CD3. Unexpectedly, we observed that C-H stretch excitation is no more effective than an equivalent amount of translational energy in raising the overall reaction efficiency; CD3 bend excitation is only slightly more effective. However, vibrational excitation does have a strong impact on product state and angular distributions, with C-H stretch-excited reactants leading to predominantly forward-scattered, vibrationally excited HCl.

Quasi-classical trajectory study of the F + CD4 reaction dynamics

To analyze the F + CD4 gas-phase abstraction reaction, an exhaustive state-to-state dynamics study was performed. Quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) calculations, including corrections to avoid zero-point energy leakage along the trajectories, were used on an analytical potential energy surface (PES-2006) recently developed by our group for collision energies in the range 0.3-6.0 kcal mol-1. While the CD3 coproduct appears vibrationally and rotationally cold, in agreement with experiment, most of the available energy appears as FD(nu') product vibrational energy, peaking at nu' = 3, one unit colder than experiment. The excitation function reproduces experiment, with the maximum contribution from the most populated FD(nu' = 3) level. The state-specific scattering distributions at different collision energies also reproduce the experimental behavior, with a clear propensity toward forward scattering, this tendency increasing with the energy. These dynamics results show the capacity of the PES-2006 surface to correctly describe the title reaction.

State-to-State Dynamics of Elementary Bimolecular Reactions

The study of state-to-state dynamics of elementary bimolecular reactions has provided remarkable insights into chemical reactivity at the most fundamental level. This review covers exciting developments in this important field in the past decade. I focus on recent studies of quantum-state-resolved molecular-beam reactive-scattering studies of elementary chemical reactions, from triatomic to polyatomic systems. Researchers have made great advances in the fundamental understanding of many elementary chemical reactions through state-to-state dynamics studies. The strong interaction between theory and experiment has significantly enhanced our understanding of the dynamics of these reactions. I hope this review provides a glimpse of this exciting research field to both experts and beginners.

Product pair correlation in bimolecular reactions

The vast majority of chemical reactions involve polyatomic species as reactants and/or products. The added degree of complexity offers opportunities to address dynamical questions other than those already encountered in a typical atom + diatom reaction. Product pair correlation is one of them. This article introduces the basic concept, outlines the experimental approach we developed and then highlights some of the applications to bimolecular reaction dynamics. Particular emphasis is placed on the information contents and unique insights gained from this type of measurements, which otherwise would have been lost by the conventional approach.

Rotationally resolved reactive scattering: Imaging detailed Cl+C2H6 reaction dynamics

The hydrogen atom abstraction reaction of Cl (2P3/2) with ethane has been studied using the crossed molecular beam technique with dc slice imaging at collision energies from 3.2 to 10.4 kcal/mol. The products HCl (v,J) (v = 0, J = 0-5) were state-selectively detected using 2+1 resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization. The images were used to obtain the center-of-mass frame product angular distributions and translational energy release distributions. Two general features were found in all probed HCl quantum states at 6.7 kcal/mol collision energy, and these features have distinct translational energy release and angular distributions, as described for HCl (v = 0, J = 2) in a recent preliminary report [Li et al., J. Chem. Phys. 124, 011102 (2006)]. The results for HCl (v = 0, J = 2) at four collision energies were also compared to investigate the energy-dependent dynamics. We discuss the reaction in terms of a variety of models of polyatomic reaction dynamics. The dynamics of this well studied system are more complicated than can be accounted for by a single mechanism, and the results call for further theoretical and experimental investigations.

A crossed molecular beam study on the dynamics of F atom reaction with SiH4

In this report, the dynamics of the F+SiH4 reaction has been studied using the universal crossed molecular beam method. Angular resolved time-of-flight spectra have been measured for all reaction products in a single set of experiments. Two different reaction channels have been observed: HF+SiH3 and SiH3F+H. Product angular distributions as well as energy distributions were determined for these two product channels. Experimental results show that the HF product is forward scattered relative to the F atom beam direction, while the SiH3F product is backward scattered relative the F atom beam direction, suggesting that two reaction channels proceed with distinctive reaction dynamics. The relative branching ratios of the two channels have also been estimated.

Recent advances in crossed-beam studies of bimolecular reactions

A critical overview of the recent progress in crossed-beam reactive scattering is presented. This review is not intended to be an exhaustive nor a comprehensive one, but rather a critical assessment of what we have been learning about bimolecular reaction dynamics using crossed molecular beams since year 2000. Particular emphasis is placed on the information content encoded in the product angular distribution-the trait of a typical molecular beam scattering experiment-and how the information can help in answering fundamental questions about chemical reactivity. We will start with simple reactions by highlighting a few benchmark three-atom reactions, and then move on progressively to the more complex chemical systems and with more sophisticated types of measurements. Understanding what cause the experimental observations is more than computationally simulating the results. The give and take between experiment and theory in unraveling the physical picture of the underlying dynamics is illustrated throughout this review.

Near-Threshold Inelastic Collisions Using Molecular Beams with a Tunable Velocity

Molecular scattering behavior has generally proven difficult to study at low collision energies. We formed a molecular beam of OH radicals with a narrow velocity distribution and a tunable absolute velocity by passing the beam through a Stark decelerator. The transition probabilities for inelastic scattering of the OH radicals with Xe atoms were measured as a function of the collision energy in the range of 50 to 400 wavenumbers, with an overall energy resolution of about 13 wavenumbers. The behavior of the cross-sections for inelastic scattering near the energetic thresholds was accurately measured, and excellent agreement was obtained with cross-sections derived from coupled-channel calculations on ab initio computed potential energy surfaces.

Reactive scattering dynamics in atom+polyatomic systems: F+C2H6-->HF(v,J)+C2H5

State-to-state scattering dynamics of F+C2H6-->HF(v,J)+C2H5 have been investigated at Ecom=3.2(6) kcalmol under single-collision conditions, via detection of nascent rovibrationally resolved HF(v,J) product states with high-resolution infrared laser absorption methods. State-resolved Doppler absorption profiles are recorded for multiple HF(v,J) transitions originating in the v=0,1,2,3 manifold, analyzed to yield absolute column-integrated densities via known HF transition moments, and converted into nascent probabilities via density-to-flux analysis. The spectral resolution of the probe laser also permits Doppler study of translational energy release into quantum-state-resolved HF fragments, which reveals a remarkable linear correlation between (i) HF(v,J) translational recoil and (ii) the remaining energy available, Eavail=Etot-E(HF(v,J)). The dynamics are interpreted in the context of a simple impulsive model based on conservation of linearangular momentum that yields predictions in good agreement with experiment. Deviations from the model indicate only minor excitation of ethyl vibrations, in contrast with a picture of extensive intramolecular vibrational energy flow but consistent with Franck-Condon excitation of the methylene CH2 bending mode. The results suggest a relatively simple dynamical picture for exothermic atom+polyatomic scattering, i.e., that of early barrier dynamics in atom+diatom systems but modified by impulsive recoil coupling at the transition state between translationalrotational degrees of freedom.

STARK DECELERATION AND TRAPPING OF OH RADICALS

▪ Abstract  The motion of polar molecules can be controlled by time-varying inhomogeneous electric fields. In a Stark decelerator, this is exploited to accelerate, transport, or decelerate a fraction of a molecular beam. When combined with a trap, the decelerator provides a means to store the molecules for times up to seconds. Here, we review our efforts to produce cold molecules via this technique. In particular, we present a new generation Stark decelerator and electrostatic trap that selects a significant part of a molecular beam pulse that can be loaded into the trap. Deceleration and trapping experiments using a beam of OH radicals are discussed.

Rotationally selected product pair correlation: F+CD4→DF(ν′)+CD3(ν2=0and2,N)

The product pair correlation of the title reaction was measured with rotational selection for both the vibrationally ground CD3(nu = 0) and umbrella-excited CD3(nu2 = 2) products. A striking linear relationship was found between the rotational energy of the selected CD3 product and the correlated kinetic energy release (or the average vibrational energy of the DF coproduct). Such a linearly correlated (or anticorrelated) dependence appears to be stronger for CD3(nu2 = 2,N) than for CD3(nu = 0,N). The mechanistic implication of the observation is that the rotational motion N of the CD3 product tends to lie antiparallel to the orbital angular momentum l' of the two departing products. The dependency on the K quantum number--the projection of N on the top axis--is, on the other hand, less significant yet noticeable.

State-resolved reactive scattering by slice imaging: A new view of the Cl+C2H6 reaction

We present state-resolved crossed beam scattering results for the reaction Cl+C2H6-->HCl+C2H5, obtained using direct current slice imaging. The HCl (v=0,J=2) image, recorded at a collision energy of 6.7+/-0.6 kcalmol, shows strongly coupled angular and translational energy distributions revealing features of the reaction not seen in previous studies. The overall distribution is mainly forward scattered with respect to the Cl beam, with a translational energy distribution peaking near the collision energy. However, there is a substantial backscattered contribution that is very different. It shows a sharp peak at 8.0 kcalmol, but extends to much lower energy, implying substantial internal excitation in the ethyl radical coproduct. These results provide new insight into the reaction, and they are considered in terms of alternative models of the dynamics. This work represents the first genuine crossed-beam study in which a product other than the methyl radical was detected with quantum state specificity, showing the promise of the approach generally for high resolution state-resolved reactive scattering.

State-correlation matrix of the product pair from F + CD4→ DF(ν′) + CD3(0 v20 0)

The title reaction was investigated under crossed-beam conditions at three different collision energies, E(c) = 8.4, 2.76 and 1.46 kcal mol(-1). The combination of using a (2 + 1) resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization for tagging state-specific CD(3) products and exploiting a time-sliced velocity imaging for ion detection allows us to reveal the coincident information of the two product pairs in a state-correlated manner. The pair-correlated results are reported for the two product vibrators -- (v(2) = 0, v'), (v(2) = 1, v'), (v(2) = 2, v') and (v(2) = 3, v')-and the dynamics attributes we examined include product state distributions, energy disposals and angular distributions. Together with our earlier communications, a rather complete picture of the correlated dynamics of the title reaction emerges. One of the major findings, the anti-correlated excitations of the two product vibrators at all four energies of this study, can qualitatively be understood by kinematics arguments.

Imaging the dynamics of gas phase reactions

Ion imaging methods are making ever greater impact on studies of gas phase molecular reaction dynamics. This article traces the evolution of the technique, highlights some of the more important breakthroughs with regards to improving image resolution and in image processing and analysis methods, and then proceeds to illustrate some of the many applications to which the technique is now being applied--most notably in studies of molecular photodissociation and of bimolecular reaction dynamics.

Ab initioand direct quasiclassical-trajectory study of the F+CH4→HF+CH3 reaction

We present an electronic structure and dynamics study of the F+CH4-->HF+CH3 reaction. CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVDZ geometry optimizations, harmonic-frequency, and energy calculations indicate that the potential-energy surface is remarkably isotropic near the transition state. In addition, while the saddle-point F-H-C angle is 180 degrees using MP2 methods, CCSD(T) geometry optimizations predict a bent transition state, with a 153 degrees F-H-C angle. We use these high-quality ab initio data to reparametrize the parameter-model 3 (PM3) semiempirical Hamiltonian so that calculations with the improved Hamiltonian and employing restricted open-shell wave functions agree with the higher accuracy data. Using this specific-reaction-parameter PM3 semiempirical Hamiltonian (SRP-PM3), we investigate the reaction dynamics by propagating quasiclassical trajectories. The results of our calculations using the SRP-PM3 Hamiltonian are compared with experiments and with the estimates of two recently reported potential-energy surfaces. The trajectory calculations using the SRP-PM3 Hamiltonian reproduce quantitatively the measured HF vibrational distributions. The calculations also agree with the experimental HF rotational distributions and capture the essential features of the excitation function. The results of the SRP semiempirical Hamiltonian developed here clearly improve over those using the two prior potential-energy surfaces and suggest that reparametrization of semiempirical Hamiltonians is a promising strategy to develop accurate potential-energy surfaces for reaction dynamics studies of polyatomic systems.

Imaging the Reaction Dynamics of OH + CD4. 2. Translational Energy Dependencies

The reaction of OH + CD4 is investigated in a crossed-beam experiment over the collisional energies ranging from reaction threshold of about 5 to 16 kcal/mol. Exploiting a time-sliced ion velocity imaging detection scheme, the coincident information on the two polyatomic product pairs, HOD and CD3, is revealed in a state-correlated manner. The recently discovered vibrational mode-correlation between the two products is found to persist over the full range of collision energies of this study. In addition, the energy dependencies of the correlated cross section, state distribution, and angular distribution are elucidated, providing an unprecedented insight into this important reaction.

Universal and State-Resolved Imaging of Chemical Dynamics

We showcase the use of high-resolution ion imaging with complementary state-resolved and "universal" vacuum ultraviolet probes to address a broad range of fundamental problems in chemical reaction dynamics. Examples from our recent work include applications in state-correlated unimolecular reactions, ion pair dissociation dynamics and spectroscopy, crossed-beam reactive scattering, and atomic angular momentum polarization in photodissociation. These studies are all directed to achieving a detailed understanding of atomic and molecular interactions, with particular emphasis on reaction mechanisms outside the scope of transition state theory; on spectroscopy and dynamics of highly excited, transient species; on nonadiabatic reaction mechanisms; and on chemical dynamics in polyatomic systems.

Quasiclassical Trajectory Study of the F + CH4 Reaction Dynamics on a Dual-Level Interpolated Potential Energy Surface

An ab initio interpolated potential energy surface (PES) for the F + CH4 reactive system has been constructed using the interpolation method of Collins and co-workers. The ab initio calculations have been performed using second-order Möller-Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory to build the initial PES. Scaling all correlation (SAC) methodology has been employed to improve the ab initio calculations and to construct a dual-level PES. Using this PES, a detailed quasiclassical trajectory study of integral and differential cross sections, product rovibrational populations and internal energy distributions has been carried out for the F + CH4 and F + CD4 reactions and the theoretical results have been compared with the available experimental data.

Imaging photon-initiated reactions: A study of the Cl(P3∕22)+CH4→HCl+CH3 reaction

The hydrogen or deuterium atom abstraction reactions between Cl((2)P(3/2)) and methane, or its deuterated analogues CD(4) and CH(2)D(2), have been studied at mean collision energies around 0.34 eV. The experiments were performed in a coexpansion of molecular chlorine and methane in helium, with the atomic Cl reactants generated by polarized laser photodissociation of Cl(2) at 308 nm. The Cl-atom reactants and the methyl radical products were detected using (2+1) resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization, coupled with velocity-map ion imaging. Analysis of the ion images reveals that in single-beam experiments of this type, careful consideration must be given to the spread of reagent velocities and collision energies. Using the reactions of Cl with CH(4), CD(4), and CH(2)D(2), as examples, it is shown that the data can be fitted well if the reagent motion is correctly described, and the angular scattering distributions can be obtained with confidence. New evidence is also provided that the CD(3) radicals from the Cl+CD(4) reaction possess significant rotational alignment under the conditions of the present study. The results are compared with previous experimental and theoretical works, where these are available.

Mode correlation of product pairs in the reaction OH+CD4→HOD+CD3

The hydrogen abstraction reaction from methane by a hydroxyl radical produces two polyatomic molecules. Each product has several vibrational modes that characterize distinct, concerted motions of the constituent atoms of the molecule. This communication describes the first measurement that maps out the coincident information on how the mode of excitation of one product varies with that of the other co-product. Such information on mode correlation of product pairs is particularly appealing in that it provides intuitively a glimpse of the reaction paths by which the chemical transformation occurs.

Imaging a reactive resonance in the Cl+CH4 reaction

The title reaction has been under extensive experimental and theoretical investigations. Presented here is the experimental evidence suggesting a reactive resonance in this reaction-an intriguing possibility that has been hitherto unsuspected. The initial speculation was inferred from theoretical works in the literature, and subsequent confirmation came from the observed pattern of the angular distributions of the HCl(nu'=1)+CH(3)(upsilon=0) product pair, when plotted in the angle-collision energy plane. This characteristic pattern proves particularly incisive and universal in revealing the imprint of reactive resonance in experimental observable. The nature of the proposed resonance in this reaction is also elucidated.

Imaging the “missing” bands in the resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization detection of methyl radical

Three small features were uncovered in the (2+1) resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization spectra of CD(3) produced from a crossed-beam reaction of F+CHD(3) near reaction threshold. Taking the velocity mapped images of these features revealed several well-resolved ringlike structures. By conservation of energy, these spectral features were unambiguously assigned to the "missing" bands of 1(1) (1), 3(1) (1), and 4(1) (1) in the literature. These assignments enable all four modes of excitation of this important radical being detected, which could have significant impact on future dynamics studies of the mode specificity of methyl radical.

Deceleration and electrostatic trapping of OH radicals

A pulsed beam of ground state OH radicals is slowed down using a Stark decelerator and is subsequently loaded into an electrostatic trap. Characterization of the molecular beam production, deceleration, and trap loading process is performed via laser induced fluorescence detection inside the quadrupole trap. Depending on the details of the trap loading sequence, typically 10(5) OH (X2Pi(3/2),J=3/2) radicals are trapped at a density of around 10(7) cm(-3) and at temperatures in the 50-500 mK range. The 1/e trap lifetime is around 1.0 s.

'Molecular photography': velocity-map imaging of chemical events

Every chemical reaction bears its own unique fingerprint, embodied in the kinetic energy, angular distribution and rotational and vibrational motion of the newly formed reaction products. These quantities reflect the forces acting during the chemical reaction, and their measurement often provides unparalleled insight into the basic physics governing chemical reactivity. One experimental technique that has truly captured the imagination of the reaction-dynamics community is velocity-map ion imaging, which provides a visual 'snapshot' of the complete product scattering distribution in a single measurement. Originally developed to study gas-phase photodissociation, the technique is now routinely being applied to bimolecular processes, particularly inelastic and reactive scattering. This article will review recent developments in the field, using examples from studies of a range of chemical processes.

Observation of a reactive resonance in the integral cross section of a six-atom reaction: F+CHD3

The title reaction was investigated under crossed-beam conditions at collisional energies ranging from about 0.4 to 7.5 kcal/mol. Product velocity distributions were measured by a time-sliced, velocity-map imaging technique to explicitly account for the density-to-flux transformation factors. Both the state-resolved, pair-correlated excitation functions and vibrational branching ratios are presented for the two isotopic product channels. An intriguing resonance tunneling mechanism occurring near the reaction threshold for the HF+CD3 product channel is surmized, which echoes the reactive resonances found previously for the F+HD-->HF+D reaction and more recently for the F+CH4 reaction.

Rotationally selected product pair correlation in F+CD4→DF(ν′)+CD3(ν=0,N)

The title reaction was studied in a crossed-beam experiment by imaging of state-selected products. The rotational state selection of the CD(3) products was achieved using (2+1) resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization. The coincident information on the DF coproducts was revealed in a state-resolved manner from time-sliced velocity map images. Significant dependences of both the correlated differential cross sections and the DF vibrational branching ratios on the "tagged" CD(3) rotation states were found. The dynamical implications of one of the major findings are discussed.

Reactive resonance in a polyatomic reaction

In the course of an extensive investigation aimed at understanding the detailed mechanisms of a prototypical polyatomic reaction, several remarkable observations were uncovered. To interpret these findings, we surmise the existence of a reactive resonance in this polyatomic reaction. The reaction of concern is F+CH4-->HF+CH3, and the abnormal attributes were revealed only near the reaction threshold. The discovery of reactive resonance in a polyatomic reaction is more than just an extension from a typical atom+diatom reaction. As shown here, it holds great promise to disentangle the elusive intramolecular vibrational dynamics of transient collision complex in the critical transition-state region.

State-to-state dynamics of the Cl+CH3OH→HCl+CH2OH reaction

Molecular chlorine, methanol, and helium are co-expanded into a vacuum chamber using a custom designed "late-mixing" nozzle. The title reaction is initiated by photolysis of Cl2 at 355 nm, which generates monoenergetic Cl atoms that react with CH3OH at a collision energy of 1960 +/- 170 cm(-1) (0.24 +/- 0.02 eV). Rovibrational state distributions of the nascent HCl products are obtained via 2 + 1 resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization, center-of-mass scattering distributions are measured by the core-extraction technique, and the average internal energy of the CH3OH co-products is deduced by measuring the spatial anisotropy of the HCl products. The majority (84 +/- 7%) of the HCl reaction products are formed in HCl(v = 0) with an average rotational energy of [Erot] = 390 +/- 70 cm(-1). The remaining 16 +/- 7% are formed in HCl(v = 1) and have an average rotational energy of [Erot] = 190 +/- 30 cm(-1). The HCl(v = 1) products are primarily forward scattered, and they are formed in coincidence with CH2OH products that have little internal energy. In contrast, the HCl(v = 0) products are formed in coincidence with CH2OH products that have significant internal energy. These results indicate that two or more different mechanisms are responsible for the dynamics in the Cl + CH3OH reaction. We suggest that (1) the HCl(v = 1) products are formed primarily from collisions at high impact parameter via a stripping mechanism in which the CH2OH co-products act as spectators, and (2) the HCl(v = 0) products are formed from collisions over a wide range of impact parameters, resulting in both a stripping mechanism and a rebound mechanism in which the CH2OH co-products are active participants. In all cases, the reaction of fast Cl atoms with CH3OH is with the hydrogen atoms on the methyl group, not the hydrogen on the hydroxyl group.

Imaging the pair-correlated excitation function: The F+CH4→HF(v′)+CH3(ν=0) reaction

The velocity map ion imaging technique was applied to measure the reaction excitation function for the first time. It was found that the "raw" excitation function was significantly distorted by the density-to-flux transformation of the title reaction. Through a systematic investigation, possible reasons for such a dramatic effect are outlined. In addition, the state-resolved, pair-correlated excitation functions and branching ratios are presented. Effects of imperfect time slicing in the time-sliced velocity imaging technique in general are also discussed.