15N+ + CD4 and O+ + 13CO2 State-Selected Ion−Molecule Reactions Relevant to the Chemistry of Planetary Ionospheres

Reactivity of the Ethenium Cation (C2H5+) with Ethyne (C2H2): A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

The gas-phase reaction between the ethyl cation (C2H5+) and ethyne (C2H2) is re-investigated by measuring absolute reactive cross sections (CSs) and branching ratios (BRs) as a function of collision energy, in the thermal and hyperthermal energy range, via tandem-guided ion beam mass spectrometry under single collision conditions. Dissociative photoionization of C2H5Br using tuneable VUV radiation in the range 10.5-14.0 eV is employed to generate C2H5+, which has also allowed us to explore the impact of increasing (vibrational) excitation on the reactivity. Reactivity experiments are complemented by theoretical calculations, at the G4 level of theory, of the relative energies and structures of the most relevant stationary points on the reactive potential energy hypersurface (PES) and by mass-analyzed ion kinetic energy (MIKE) spectrometry experiments to probe the metastable decomposition from the [C4H7]+ PES and elucidate the underlying reaction mechanisms. Two main product channels have been identified at a centre-of-mass collision energy of ∼0.1 eV: (a) C3H3++CH4, with BR = 0.76±0.05 and (b) C4H5++H2, with BR = 0.22±0.02. A third channel giving C2H3+ in association with C2H4 is shown to emerge at both high internal excitation of C2H5+ and high collision energies. From CS measurements, energy-dependent total rate constants in the range 4.3×10-11-5.2×10-10 cm3·molecule-1·s-1 have been obtained. Theoretical calculations indicate that both channels stem from a common covalently bound intermediate, CH3CH2CHCH+, from which barrierless and exothermic pathways exist for the production of both cyclic c-C3H3+ and linear H2CCCH+ isomers of the main product channel. For the minor C4H5+ product, two isomers are energetically accessible: the three-member cyclic isomer c-C3H2(CH3)+ and the higher energy linear structure CH2CHCCH2+, but their formation requires multiple isomerization steps and passages via transition states lying only 0.11 eV below the reagents' energy, thus explaining the smaller BR. Results have implications for the modeling of hydrocarbon chemistry in the interstellar medium and the atmospheres of planets and satellites as well as in laboratory plasmas (e.g., plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of carbon nanotubes and diamond-like carbon films).

H2O˙+ and OH+ reactivity versus furan: experimental low energy absolute cross sections for modeling radiation damage

Radiotherapy is one of the most widespread and efficient strategies to fight malignant tumors. Despite its broad application, the mechanisms of radiation-DNA interaction are still under investigation. Theoretical models to predict the effects of a particular delivered dose are still in their infancy due to the difficulty of simulating a real cell environment, as well as the inclusion of a large variety of secondary processes. This work reports the first experimental study of the ion-molecule reactions of the H2O˙+ and OH+ ions, produced by photoionization with synchrotron radiation, with a furan (c-C4H4O) molecule, a template for deoxyribose sugar in DNA. The present experiments, performed as a function of the collision energy of the ions and the tunable photoionization energy, provide key parameters for the theoretical modelling of the effect of radiation dose, like the absolute cross sections for producing protonated furan (furanH+) and a radical cation (furan˙+), the most abundant products, which can amount up to 200 Å2 at very low collision energies (<1.0 eV). The experimental results show that furanH+ is more fragile, indicating how the protonation of the sugar component of the DNA may favor its dissociation with possible major radiosensitizing effects. Moreover, the ring opening of furanH+ isomers and the potential energy surface of the most important fragmentation channels have been explored by molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemistry calculations. The results show that, in the most stable isomer of furanH+, the ring opening occurs via a low energy pathway with carbon-oxygen bond cleavage, followed by the loss of neutral carbon monoxide and the formation of the allyl cation CH2CHCH2+, which instead is not observed in the fragmentation of furan˙+. At higher energies the ring opening through the carbon-carbon bond is accompanied by the loss of formaldehyde, producing HCCCH2+, the most intense fragment ion detected in the experiments. This work highlights the importance of the secondary processes, like the ion-molecule reactions at low energies in the radiation damage due to their very large cross sections, and it aims to provide benchmark data for the development of suitable models to approach this low collision energy range.

Study of the Reactivity of CH3COOH+• and COOH+ Ions with CH3NH2: Evidence of the Formation of New Peptide-like C(O)-N Bonds

Acetamide, a small organic compound containing a peptide bond, was observed in the interstellar medium, but reaction pathways leading to the formation of this prebiotic molecule remain uncertain. We investigated the possible formation of a peptide-like bond from the reaction between acetic acid (CH₃-COOH) and methylamine (CH₃-NH₂) that were identified in the interstellar medium. From an experimental point of view, a quadrupole/octopole/quadrupole mass spectrometer was used in combination with synchrotron radiation as a tunable source of VUV photons for monitoring the reactivity of selected ions. Acetic acid was photoionized, and the reactivity of CH₃COOH^+• as well as COOH⁺ (produced from either acetic acid or formic acid) ions with neutral CH₃NH₂ was further studied. With no surprise, charge transfer, proton transfer, and concomitant dissociation processes were found to largely dominate the reactivity. However, a C(O)-N bond formation process between the two reactants was also evidenced, with a weak cross section reaction. From a theoretical point of view, results concerning reactivity and barrier heights were obtained using density functional theory, with the LC-ωPBE range-separated functional in combination with the 6-311++G(d,p) Pople basis set and are in perfect agreement with the experimental data.

Hydrogen escape from Mars is driven by seasonal and dust storm transport of water

Mars has lost most of its once-abundant water to space, leaving the planet cold and dry. In standard models, molecular hydrogen produced from water in the lower atmosphere diffuses into the upper atmosphere where it is dissociated, producing atomic hydrogen, which is lost. Using observations from the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution spacecraft, we demonstrate that water is instead transported directly to the upper atmosphere, then dissociated by ions to produce atomic hydrogen. The water abundance in the upper atmosphere varied seasonally, peaking in southern summer, and surged during dust storms, including the 2018 global dust storm. We calculate that this transport of water dominates the present-day loss of atomic hydrogen to space and influenced the evolution of Mars' climate.

State-Selected Reactivity of Carbon Dioxide Cations ( CO 2 + ) With Methane

The reactivity ofCO 2 + with CD4 has been experimentally investigated for its relevance in the chemistry of plasmas used for the conversion of CO2 in carbon-neutral fuels. Non-equilibrium plasmas are currently explored for their capability to activate very stable molecules (such as methane and carbon dioxide) and initiate a series of reactions involving highly reactive species (e.g., radicals and ions) eventually leading to the desired products. Energy, in the form of kinetic or internal excitation of reagents, influences chemical reactions. However, putting the same amount of energy in a different form may affect the reactivity differently. In this paper, we investigate the reaction ofCO 2 + with methane by changing either the kinetic energy ofCO 2 + or its vibrational excitation. The experiments were performed by a guided ion beam apparatus coupled to synchrotron radiation in the VUV energy range to produce vibrationally excited ions. We find that the reactivity depends on the reagent collision energy, but not so much on the vibrational excitation ofCO 2 + . Concerning the product branching ratios (CD 4 + /CD 3 + /DOCO+) there is substantial disagreement among the values reported in the literature. We find that the dominant channel is the production ofCD 4 + , followed by DOCO+ andCD 3 + , as a minor endothermic channel.

Photoionization studies of reactive intermediates using synchrotron radiation

Photoionization with synchrotron radiation enables sensitive and selective monitoring of reactive intermediates in environments such as flames and plasmas.

Effects of collision energy and vibrational excitation of CH3+ cations on its reactivity with hydrocarbons: But-2-yne CH3CCCH3 as reagent partner

The methyl carbocation is ubiquitous in gaseous environments, such as planetary ionospheres, cometary comae, and the interstellar medium, as well as combustion systems and plasma setups for technological applications. Here we report on a joint experimental and theoretical study on the mechanism of the reaction CH₃⁺ + CH₃CCCH₃ (but-2-yne, also known as dimethylacetylene), by combining guided ion beam mass spectrometry experiments with ab initio calculations of the potential energy hypersurface. Such a reaction is relevant in understanding the chemical evolution of Saturn's largest satellite, Titan. Two complementary setups have been used: in one case, methyl cations are generated via electron ionization, while in the other case, direct vacuum ultraviolet photoionization with synchrotron radiation of methyl radicals is used to study internal energy effects on the reactivity. Absolute reactive cross sections have been measured as a function of collision energy, and product branching ratios have been derived. The two most abundant products result from electron and hydride transfer, occurring via direct and barrierless mechanisms, while other channels are initiated by the electrophilic addition of the methyl cation to the triple bond of but-2-yne. Among the minor channels, special relevance is placed on the formation of C₅H₇⁺, stemming from H₂ loss from the addition complex. This is the only observed condensation product with the formation of new C-C bonds, and it might represent a viable pathway for the synthesis of complex organic species in astronomical environments and laboratory plasmas.

Is the Reaction of C3N(-) with C2H2 a Possible Process for Chain Elongation in Titan's Ionosphere?

The reaction of C3N(-) with acetylene was studied using three different experimental setups, a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (Trento), a tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer (Prague), and the "CERISES" guided ion beam apparatus at Orsay. The process is of astrophysical interest because it can function as a chain elongation mechanism to produce larger anions that have been detected in Titan's ionosphere by the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer. Three major products of primary processes, C2H(-), CN(-), and C5N(-), have been identified, whereby the production of the cyanide anion is probably partly due to collisional induced dissociation. The formations of all these products show considerable reaction thresholds and also display comparatively small cross sections. Also, no strong signals of anionic products for collision energies lower than 1 eV have been observed. Ab initio calculations have been performed to identify possible pathways leading to the observed products of the title reaction and to elucidate the thermodynamics of these processes. Although the productions of CN(-) and C5N(-) are exoergic, all reaction pathways have considerable barriers. Overall, the results of these computations are in agreement with the observed reaction thresholds. Due to the existence of considerable reaction energy barriers and the small observed cross sections, the title reaction is not very likely to play a major role in the buildup of large anions in cold environments like the interstellar medium or planetary and satellite ionospheres.

Selective Generation of the Radical Cation Isomers [CH3CN](•+) and [CH2CNH](•+) via VUV Photoionization of Different Neutral Precursors and Their Reactivity with C2H4

Experimental and theoretical studies have been carried out to demonstrate the selective generation of two different C2H3N(+) isomers, namely, the acetonitrile [CH3CN](•+) and the ketenimine [CH2CNH](•+) radical cations. Photoionization and dissociative photoionization experiments from different neutral precursors (acetonitrile and butanenitrile) have been performed using vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron radiation in the 10-15 eV energy range, delivered by the DESIRS beamline at the SOLEIL storage ring. For butanenitrile (CH3CH2CH2CN) an experimental ionization threshold of 11.29 ± 0.05 eV is obtained, whereas the appearance energy for the formation of [CH2CNH](•+) fragments is 11.52 ± 0.05 eV. Experimental findings are fully supported by theoretical calculations at the G4 level of theory (ZPVE corrected energies at 0 K), giving a value of 11.33 eV for the adiabatic ionization energy of butanenitrile and an exothermicity of 0.49 for fragmentation into [CH2CNH](•+) plus C2H4, hampered by an energy barrier of 0.29 eV. The energy difference between [CH3CN](•+) and [CH2CNH](•+) is 2.28 eV (with the latter being the lowest energy isomer), and the isomerization barrier is 0.84 eV. Reactive monitoring experiments of the [CH3CN](•+) and [CH2CNH](•+) isomers with C2H4 have been performed using the CERISES guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer and exploiting the selectivity of ethylene that gives exothermic charge exchange and proton transfer reactions with [CH3CN](•+) but not with [CH2CNH](•+) isomers. In addition, minor reactive channels are observed leading to the formation of new C-C bonds upon reaction of [CH3CN](•+) with C2H4, and their astrochemical implications are briefly discussed.

Reactions of State-Selected Atomic Oxygen Ions O(+)((4)S, (2)D, (2)P) with Methane

An experimental study has been carried out on the reactions of state selected O(+)((4)S, (2)D, (2)P) ions with methane with the aims of characterizing the effects of both the parent ion internal energy and collision energy on the reaction dynamics and determining the fate of oxygen species in complex media, in particular the Titan ionosphere. Absolute cross sections and product velocity distributions have been determined for the reactions of (16)O(+) or (18)O(+) ions with CH4 or CD4 from thermal to 5 eV collision energies by using the guided ion beam (GIB) technique. Dissociative photoionization of O2 with vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron radiation delivered by the DESIRS beamline at the SOLEIL storage ring and the threshold photoion photoelectron coincidence (TPEPICO) technique are used for the preparation of purely state-selected O(+)((4)S, (2)D, (2)P) ions. A complete inversion of the product branching ratio between CH4(+) and CH3(+) ions in favor of the latter is observed for excitation of O(+) ions from the (4)S ground state to either the (2)D or the (2)P metastable state. CH4(+) and CH3(+) ions, which are by far the major products for the reaction of ground state and excited states, are strongly backward scattered in the center of mass frame relative to O(+) parent ions. For the reaction of O(+)((4)S), CH3(+) production also rises with increasing collision energy but with much less efficiency than with O(+) excitation. We found that a mechanism of dissociative charge transfer, mediated by an initial charge transfer step, can account very well for all the observations, indicating that CH3(+) production is associated with the formation of H and O atoms (CH3(+) + H + O) rather than with OH formation by an hydride transfer process (CH3(+) + OH). Therefore, as the CH4(+) production by charge transfer is also associated with O atoms, the fate of oxygen species in these reactions is essentially the O production, except for the reaction of O(+)((4)S), which also produces appreciable amounts of H2O(+) ions but only at very low collision energy. The production of O atoms and the nature of the states in which they are formed are discussed for the reactions of O(+) ions with CH4 and N2.

Energy partitioning in single-electron transfer events between gaseous dications and their neutral counterparts

Electron-transfer reactions between hydrocarbon dications and neutral hydrocarbons lead to an unequal deposition of the excess energy from the reaction in the pair of monocations formed. The initial observation of this phenomenon was explained by the different states accessible upon single-electron capture by a dication compared to single-electron ejection from a neutral compound. Alternatively, however, isomeric structures of the dicationic species, pronounced Franck-Condon effects, as well as excess energy in the dicationic precursors could cause the asymmetric energy partitioning in such dication/neutral collisions. Here, the investigation of this phenomenon in an interdisciplinary cooperation is described, shedding light not only upon a possible solution of the problem at hand, but also providing an example for the synergistic benefits of international research networks applying complementary approaches.

A versatile electron-ion coincidence spectrometer for photoelectron momentum imaging and threshold spectroscopy on mass selected ions using synchrotron radiation

We present a photoelectron-photoion coincidence (PEPICO) spectrometer named DELICIOUS II which combines a velocity map imaging apparatus with a Wiley-McLaren time of flight analyzer for the study of gas phase samples in interaction with the synchrotron radiation (SR). This versatile system is capable of providing photoelectron images on mass-selected compounds with kinetic energy resolutions of DeltaE/E=5% and a 17 eV bandwidth, as well as threshold photoelectron spectra with a measured resolution of 0.8 meV, as demonstrated on the 3p(-1) ionization of argon. This instrument is also employed for threshold PEPICO experiments, allowing the selection of the parent ion's internal state with sub-meV resolution for light masses (<40 amu) and with typically 2 meV resolution for a mass of 100 amu and with a mass resolving power above 200. The continuous operation of the extraction fields and the independence from the electron's time of flight are well adapted to the quasicontinuous multibunch mode of the SR. This, together with the high transmission of both the electron and ion detection, allows a high coincidence counting rate and facilitates the subtraction of false coincidences. We illustrate the spectrometer's coincidence principle of operation with examples from the valence photoionization of an Ar+Xe mixture and of CF(4).

First and second ionization energies of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene and 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine

The first and second ionization energies of trimethyl substituted analogs of benzene and pyridine are determined by means of mass spectrometry in conjunction with synchrotron radiation. The first ionization energy of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene amounts to (8.38 ± 0.05) eV and the second ionization energy to (22.8 ± 0.1) eV. The first ionization energy of 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine is determined as (8.65 ± 0.05) eV and the second ionization energy as (23.0 ± 0.1) eV. The ionization energies are compared with those of unsubstituted benzene and pyridine and the effects of the methyl groups are evaluated by means of isodesmic reactions. As expected, it is found that the electron-donating effect of the methyl groups stabilizes neutral pyridine and doubly charged pyridine more than neutral benzene and doubly charged benzene, respectively. Surprisingly, the opposite effect is found for the radical cations, which is ascribed to the unfavorable degenerate electronic structure of benzene radical-cation, which disappears upon the methyl substitution.

OOCO+ cation. II. Its role during the atmospheric ion-molecule reactions

For the charge transfer and vibrational and electronic deexcitations between O2/O2+ + CO+/CO, O/O+ + CO2+/CO2, and C/C+ + O3+/O3, multistep reaction pathways are discussed in light of the theoretical data of this and previous paper together with close comparison with the experimental observations. Our calculations show that these pathways involve both the long range and molecular region ranges of the potential energy surfaces of the electronic states of the stable isomers of OOCO+ and mostly those of the weakly bound charge transfer complex OOCO+. The couplings between these electronic states such as vibronic, Renner-Teller, Jahn-Teller, and spin orbit are viewed to play crucial roles here. Moreover, the initial orientation of the reactants, in the entrance channels, strongly influences the reaction mechanisms undertaken. We propose for the first time a mechanism for the widely experimentally studied spin-forbidden exothermic O+((4)S(u))+CO2(X (1)Sigmag+)-->O2+(X (2)Pi(g))+CO(X (1)Sigma+) reaction where the O turns around the OCO molecule.

Dissociative double photoionization of N2 using synchrotron radiation: Appearance energy of the N2+ dication

Photoionization cross sections for the production of the doubly charged ion N2+ from N2 have been measured by means of synchrotron radiation in the photon energy range from 50 to 110 eV. The appearance energy for N2+ has been determined as 55.2+/-0.2 eV, i.e., about 1.3 eV higher than the spectroscopic dissociation limit leading to the charge asymmetric dissociation channel N2+(2P)+N(4S) at 53.9 eV. The onset of a second threshold at 59.9+/-0.2 eV is detected and the energy dependence of photoion intensities near the threshold regions is interpreted in terms of the Wannier theory. The production of the N2+ dication is discussed in terms of direct and indirect mechanisms for dissociative charge asymmetric photoionization and by comparison with the potential energy curves of the intermediate N(2)2+ dication. Experimental evidences for the opening of the Coulomb explosion channel N2++N+ at high photon energies are provided by measuring the kinetic energy release spectra of N2+ fragments at selected photon energies.

Quartet states of the acetylene cation: electronic structure calculations and spin-orbit coupling terms

Highly correlated ab initio methods have been used to generate one-dimensional cuts of the six-dimensional potential energy surfaces of the quartet and lowest doublet states for the HCCH(+) ion along the CH, CC, and cis and trans bending coordinates. Transition dipole moments and spin-orbit matrix elements are deduced. For the lowest 1 (4)Sigma(u) (+) state, the calculations predict a possible photon emission through the 1 (4)Pi(g)<--1 (4)Sigma(u) (+) transition competing with internal conversion and predissociation processes. The potential surfaces are used together with spin-orbit matrix elements to discuss the metastability and the predissociation processes forming the C(2)HC(2)H(+)+H(+)H products. Multistep spin-orbit induced predissociation pathways are suggested.

The N3+ Reactivity in Ionized Gases Containing Sulfur, Nitrogen, and Carbon Oxides

The N(3)(+) reactivity with SO(2), N(2)O, CO(2), and CO is studied by mass spectrometric techniques under a wide range of pressures from 10(-7) to 10(-4) Torr. The kinetics, reaction mechanism, and role of vibrationally excited ions are investigated by experimental and theoretical methods. Key distinguishing features of the N(3) (+) reactivity are evidenced by comparison to N(+) and N(2)(+) ions, which mainly undergo charge-exchange reactions. The N(+) transfer to SO(2) prompts formation of NO(+) ions and neutral oxides NO and SO. The N(+) transfer to N(2)O also leads to NO(+) ions by a process not allowed by spin conservation rules. In both cases no reaction intermediate is detected, whereas CO(2) and CO are captured to form the very stable NCO(2) (+) and NCO(+) ions. NCO(2)(+) ions are characterized for the first time as strongly bound triplet ions of NOCO and ONCO connectivity. DFT and CCSD(T) computations have been carried out to investigate the structural and energetic features of the NCO(2) (+) species and their formation process.

Reactions of F+(3P) and F+(1D) with Silicon Oxide. Possibility of Spin-Forbidden Processes

High level ab initio and density functional theory calculations have been carried out to study the potential energy surfaces associated with the reactions of F(+) in its (3)P ground state and in its (1)D first excited state with silicon dioxide. The structures and vibrational frequencies of the stationary points of both potential energy surfaces were obtained at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. Final energies were calculated at the B3LYP/6-311+G(3df,2p) and at the G3X levels of theory. [Si, O(2), F](+) singlet and triplet state cations present very different bonding characteristics. The most favorable reactions path in F(+)((3)P) + SiO(2) reactions should yield O(2) + SiF(+), while in the reactions in the first excited state, only a charge exchange process, yielding F((2)P) + SiO(2)(+)((2)A), should be observed. However, both potential energy surfaces cross each other, because although the entrance F(+)((3)P) + SiO(2) lies 34.5 kcal/mol below F(+)((1)D) + SiO(2), the global minimum of the singlet PES lies 10.3 kcal/mol below the global minimum of the triplet. The minimum energy crossing point between them is close to the global minimum, and the spin-orbit coupling is not zero, suggesting that very likely some of the products will be formed in the singlet hypersurface. The existence of instabilities and large spin-contamination in the description of some of the systems render the DFT calculations unreliable.

An ICR study of ion-molecules reactions relevant to Titan's atmosphere: an investigation of binary hydrocarbon mixtures up to 1 micron

Results are reported for studies of binary mixtures of hydrocarbons exposed to low-energy electron impact ionization. A variety of experimental methods are used: conventional ICR mass spectrometry, the standard double resonance in an ICR for determination of the precursor ions, and the modulated double resonance ejection in an ICR for the determination of the daughter ions. A flowing afterglow-selected ion flow tube experiment (FA-SIFT) was used for validation and examination of termolecular reactions. An extensive database of reaction kinetics already exists for many of these reactions. The main point of this study was the determination of the accuracy of this database and the identification of missing reactions and reaction channels. An effort was made to extend the study to the highest pressures possible to determine if any important termolecular reaction channels were present that were not recognized in earlier investigations. A new approach was used here. In the binary mixtures of hydrocarbon gases, mass spectra were obtained as a function of independent pressure changes of both gases. All the mass peaks in the spectra were fitted using existing kinetic data as a starting point. A model of the ion abundances was then produced from the solution of the partial differential equations derived from the kinetics in terms of reaction rate coefficients and initial abundances. The model was fitted to the data for all of the pressures by a least-squares fit to the reaction rate coefficients and initial abundances. The kinetic parameters were then adjusted if required.