Low-temperature reactions of He+ and C+ with HCl, SO2 and H2S

Capture Theory Models: An overview of their development, experimental verification, and applications to ion-molecule reactions

Since Arrhenius first proposed an equation to account for the behaviour of thermally activated reactions in 1889, significant progress has been made in our understanding of chemical reactivity. A number of capture theory models have been developed over the past several decades to predict the rate coefficients for reactions between ions and molecules-ranging from the Langevin equation (for reactions between ions and non-polar molecules) to more recent fully quantum theories (for reactions at ultra-cold temperatures). A number of different capture theory methods are discussed, with the key assumptions underpinning each approach clearly set out. The strengths and limitations of these capture theory methods are examined through detailed comparisons between low-temperature experimental measurements and capture theory predictions. Guidance is provided on the selection of an appropriate capture theory method for a given class of ion-molecule reaction and set of experimental conditions-identifying when a capture-based model is likely to provide an accurate prediction. Finally, the impact of capture theories on fields such as astrochemical modelling is noted, with some potential future directions of capture-based approaches outlined.

Self-reactions in the HCl+ (DCl+) + HCl system: a state-selective investigation of the role of rotation

The cross sections for the self-reaction of state-selected HCl⁺ (DCl⁺) ions with HCl are shown to depend characteristically on the rotational velocity of the ion relative to that of the neutral.

The temperature-dependence of rapid low temperature reactions: experiment, understanding and prediction

Despite the success of the CRESU (Cinétique de Réaction en Ecoulement Supersonique Uniforme) method in measuring rate coefficients for neutral-neutral reactions of radicals down close to the very low temperatures prevalent in dense interstellar clouds (ISCs), there are still many reactions of potential importance in the chemistry of these objects for which there have been no measurements of low temperature rate coefficients. One important class of reactions is that between atomic and molecular free radicals and unsaturated hydrocarbons; that is, alkynes and alkenes. Based on semi-empirical arguments and correlations of 'room temperature' rate coefficients, k(298 K), for reactions of this type with the difference between the ionisation energy of the alkyne/alkene and the electron affinity of the radical, we suggest which reactions between the radicals, C(3P), O(3P), N(4S), CH, C2H and CN, and carbon chain molecules (Cn) and cyanopolyynes (HC2nCN and NCC2nCN) are likely to be fast at the temperature of dense ISCs. These reactions and rate coefficients have been incorporated into a purely gas-phase model (osu2005) of ISC chemistry. The results of these calculations are presented and discussed.

Techniques for the study of reaction kinetics at low temperatures: application to the atmospheric chemistry of Titan

Data on the low-temperature (< 200 K) dependence of the kinetics of chemical reactions are of great importance for understanding the composition of planetary atmospheres (as well as interstellar clouds). To date such studies have been relatively rare but the situation is beginning to change. During the past 10 years a number of experimental instruments have been designed to address this problem. These instruments rely on either cryogenic or supersonic cooling, and both methods have been applied to the study of neutral-neutral or ion-neutral reactions. We briefly review these different techniques, with an emphasis on the CRESU method, and provide examples of the types of reactive systems that have been studied, with particular attention to those relevant to the atmosphere of Titan. The perspectives for future work are also evoked.