F+OH reactive collisions on new excited A″3 and A′3 potential-energy surfaces

Mechanism and Kinetics of Methane Combustion. Part II: Potential Energy Surface for Hydrogen-Abstraction Reaction of CH4 + O(3P)

Methane combustion plays an important role in various fields such as combustion chemistry and atmospheric chemistry of the stratosphere. Highly accurate study of its initial reaction remains a key challenge. Here, through extensive studies with a state-of-the-art ab initio and neural network method, we present a potential energy surface of the O(³P) + CH₄ → OH + CH₃ reaction on the ground state 1³A and the first excited state 2³A. In this work, the energies of 10 167 points covering all important regions are obtained with state-averaged complete active space self-consistent field calculations and then fitted using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm with a root-mean-square error of 0.391 and 0.442 kcal/mol for the 1³A and 2³A states, respectively. This study explores the characteristics of the radical van der Waals (VdW) complex and reveals a detailed mechanism of the methane combustion initial reaction. Within the scope of this mechanism, this surface gives a fairly accurate description of the regions around the saddle point, conical intersection, and vdW wells in the entrance for efficient computational simulations. As a theoretical study on a prototypical polyatomic reaction, it is hopeful that this work will modify our understanding of the primary process in hydrocarbon combustion.

Low temperature reaction dynamics for CH3OH + OH collisions on a new full dimensional potential energy surface

Is the rise of the rate constant measured in laval expansion experiments of OH with organic molecules at low temperatures due to the reaction between the reactants or due to the formation of complexes with the buffer gas? This question has importance for understanding the evolution of prebiotic molecules observed in different astrophysical objects. Among these molecules methanol is one of the most widely observed, and its reaction with OH has been studied by several groups showing a fast increase in the rate constant under 100 K. Transition state theory doesn't reproduce this behavior and here dynamical calculations are performed on a new full dimensional potential energy surface developed for this purpose. The calculated classical reactive cross sections show an increase at low collision energies due to a complex forming mechanism. However, the calculated rate constant at temperatures below 100 K remains lower than the observed one. Quantum effects are likely responsible for the measured behavior at low temperatures.

Full dimensional potential energy surface and low temperature dynamics of the H2CO + OH → HCO + H2O reaction

A new method is proposed to analytically represent the potential energy surface of reactions involving polyatomic molecules capable of accurately describing long-range interactions and saddle points, needed to describe low-temperature collisions. It is based on two terms, a reactive force field term and a many-body term. The reactive force field term accurately describes the fragments, long-range interactions among them and the saddle points for reactions. The many-body term increases the desired accuracy everywhere else. This method has been applied to the OH + H2CO → H2O + HCO reaction, giving a barrier of 27.4 meV. The simulated classical rate constants with this potential are in good agreement with recent experimental results [Ocaña et al., Astrophys. J., 2017, submitted], showing an important increase at temperatures below 100 K. The reaction mechanism is analyzed in detail here, and explains the observed behavior at low energy by the formation of long-lived collision complexes, with roaming trajectories, with a capture observed for very long impact parameters, >100 a.u., determined by the long-range dipole-dipole interaction.

Is the gas-phase OH+H2CO reaction a source of HCO in interstellar cold dark clouds? A kinetic, dynamic and modelling study

Chemical kinetics of neutral-neutral gas-phase reactions at ultralow temperatures is a fascinating research subject with important implications on the chemistry of complex organic molecules in the interstellar medium (T∼10-100K). Scarce kinetic information is currently available for this kind of reactions at T<200 K. In this work we use the CRESU (Cinétique de Réaction en Ecoulement Supersonique Uniforme, which means Reaction Kinetics in a Uniform Supersonic Flow) technique to measure for the first time the rate coefficients (k) of the gas-phase OH+H2CO reaction between 22 and 107 K. k values greatly increase from 2.1×10-11 cm3 s-1 at 107 K to 1.2×10-10 cm3 s-1 at 22 K. This is also confirmed by quasi-classical trajectories (QCT) at collision energies down to 0.1 meV performed using a new full dimension and ab initio potential energy surface, recently developed which generates highly accurate potential and includes long range dipole-dipole interactions. QCT calculations indicate that at low temperatures HCO is the exclusive product for the OH+H2CO reaction. In order to revisit the chemistry of HCO in cold dense clouds, k is reasonably extrapolated from the experimental results at 10K (2.6×10-10 cm3 s-1). The modeled abundances of HCO are in agreement with the observations in cold dark clouds for an evolving time of 105-106 yrs. The different sources of production of HCO are presented and the uncertainties in the chemical networks discussed. This reaction can be expected to be a competitive process in the chemistry of prestellar cores. The present reaction is shown to account for a few percent of the total HCO production rate. Extensions to photodissociation regions and diffuse clouds environments are also commented.

Product rotational angular momentum polarization of H+FCl (v=0-5; j=0, 3, 6, 9) → HF+Cl and HCl+F at Erel=0.5-20 kcal mol(-1)

The rotational angular momentum polarizations of product molecules of the title reactions on the ground potential energy surface 1 (2)A' of DHTSN [Deskevic et al. J Chem Phys 2006, 124, 224303] have been studied using the quasi-classical trajectory method. Reaction dynamic results of the HF product channel comparing with another channel of HCl with 100,000 trajectories can be accurately resolved. We show the value of the polar p(ϑr) in the range of 0° ≤ ϑr ≤ 180(°), azimuthal p(φr) in the range of 0° ≤ φr ≤ 360(°), and dihedral p(ϑr, φr) in the ranges of 0(°) ≤ ϑr ≤ 180(°) and 0(°) ≤ φr ≤ 360(°); the angular distributions of the product molecules HF and HCl at relative Erel = 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 kcal mol(-1); and four polarization-dependent differential cross sections (PDDCSs) of HF and HCl at Erel = 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, and 15 kcal mol(-1). p(φr) distributions at v = 0-5, and j = 0, 3, 6, 9 at every Erel are plotted cylindrically together. The stereo dynamic transformation reaction dependent upon the rovibrational states of the reactant molecule FCl and its relative translational energies around 0.5-5 kcal mol(-1) can be significantly differentiated. Translational and rovibrational enhancements of the title reactions on both early barrier potential energy surfaces have been shown in great detail and clarified. Reaction mechanisms of forward and backward scattering of the product molecules HF and HCl, respectively, have been obtained. Graphical Abstract H + FCl → either HF + Cl (left) or HCl + F (right) is moving along a trajectory on the respective PES.

The hydrogen abstraction reaction O(3P) + CH4: a new analytical potential energy surface based on fit to ab initio calculations

Based exclusively on high-level ab initio calculations, a new full-dimensional analytical potential energy surface (PES-2014) for the gas-phase reaction of hydrogen abstraction from methane by an oxygen atom is developed. The ab initio information employed in the fit includes properties (equilibrium geometries, relative energies, and vibrational frequencies) of the reactants, products, saddle point, points on the reaction path, and points on the reaction swath, taking especial caution respecting the location and characterization of the intermediate complexes in the entrance and exit channels. By comparing with the reference results we show that the resulting PES-2014 reproduces reasonably well the whole set of ab initio data used in the fitting, obtained at the CCSD(T) = FULL/aug-cc-pVQZ//CCSD(T) = FC/cc-pVTZ single point level, which represents a severe test of the new surface. As a first application, on this analytical surface we perform an extensive dynamics study using quasi-classical trajectory calculations, comparing the results with recent experimental and theoretical data. The excitation function increases with energy (concave-up) reproducing experimental and theoretical information, although our values are somewhat larger. The OH rotovibrational distribution is cold in agreement with experiment. Finally, our results reproduce experimental backward scattering distribution, associated to a rebound mechanism. These results lend confidence to the accuracy of the new surface, which substantially improves the results obtained with our previous surface (PES-2000) for the same system.

Stereodynamics investigation of F + HO → HF + O(1D) on the ground singlet potential energy surface by means of the quasi-classical trajectory method

The stereodynamics calculation of F + HO → HF + O(1D) was carried out using the quasi-classical trajectory method on the 11A′ potential energy surface provided by Gomez-Carrasco et al. (Chem. Phys. Lett. 2007, 435, 188). The effect of the collision energy, isotopic substitution, and different initial ro-vibrational states on the reaction is discussed. It is found that for the initial ground state of HO (v = 0, j = 0), the degree of the forward scattering and the product polarizations remarkably change as the collision energy varies. Isotopic effect leads to the increase of alignment and decrease of orientation of product rotational angular momentum. Moreover, the P(θr) distribution and P(φr) distribution change noticeably by varying the initial vibrational number. The initial vibrational excitation plays a more important role in the enhancement of alignment and orientation distribution of j′ for the title reaction. Although the influence of the initial rotational excitation effect on the aligned and oriented distribution of product is not stronger than that of the initial vibrational excitation effect, the initial rotational excitation makes the alignment of the product rotational angular momentum decrease to some extent. The probabilities show that the reactivity of the title reaction strongly depends on the initial vibrational state.

Quantum dynamical study of the He + NeH+ reaction on a new analytical potential energy surface

An analytical potential energy surface (PES) for the ground state of the [HeHNe](+) system has been constructed from a set of 19,605 ab initio data points, obtained from coupled cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples correction calculations and the aug-cc-pVQZ basis set. The PES is based on the many-body expansion form proposed by Aguado and Paniagua (J. Chem. Phys. 1992, 96, 1265), and it has a root-mean-square error of 0.03 kcal/mol. The minimum energy pathways (MEPs) for different Ne-H-He angles are calculated, and it is found that the MEP for 180° (linear) goes through the deepest potential energy well. Preliminary quantum dynamical studies are performed for the He + NeH(+) (v = 0-2, j = 0-3) → HeH(+) + Ne reaction in the 0.0-0.5 eV collision energy range. Quantum calculations are carried out using a time-dependent wave packet method within the centrifugal sudden approximation. Reaction probabilities exhibit strong oscillatory behavior arising because of the metastable [HeHNe](+). Vibrational excitation has been found to enhance the reaction cross sections.

Wave packet calculations on nonadiabatic effects for the O(3P)+HF(1Σ+) reaction under hyperthermal conditions

We present wave packet calculations of total and state-to-state reaction probabilities and integral cross sections for the nonadiabatic dynamics of the O((3)P)+HF → F((2)P)+OH((2)Π) reaction at hyperthermal collision energies ranging from 1.2 to 2.4 eV. The validity of the centrifugal sudden approximation is discussed for the title reaction and a comprehensive investigation of the influence of nonadiabatic effects on the dynamics of this reactive system at high (hyperthermal) collision energies is presented. In general, nonadiabatic effects are negligible for averaged observables, such as total reaction probabilities and integral cross sections, but they are clearly observed in detailed observables such as rotationally state-resolved reaction probabilities. A critical discussion of nonadiabatic effects on the dynamics of the title reaction is carried out by comparing with the reverse reaction and the characteristics of the adiabatic and diabatic potential energy surfaces involved.

EFFECT OF THE REACTANT ALIGNMENT ON STEREODYNAMICS FOR THE REACTION F + OH

Quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) calculations are performed for the reaction F + OH → HF + O based on the adiabatic potential-energy surface (PES) of the 13A″ triplet state. The reaction probability as a function of incident angle has been presented. The differential cross sections (DCSs), the distribution of angle between k and j′, P(θr) and the distribution of dihedral angle denoting k – k′ – j′ correlation, P(ϕr) have also been calculated at the different incident angles in the center-of-mass (CM) frame, respectively. The effects of reactant alignment on stereodynamics of the reaction are firstly revealed, which provides the theoretical foundation for the related experiment and enriches the theories of the stereodynamics.

STATE-TO-STATE REACTION DYNAMICS OF THE D(H) + FO → OD(OH) + F REACTIONS ON THE LOWEST TWO TRIPLET STATES

Quasiclassical trajectory (QCT) calculations have been performed to investigate the reaction dynamics of the title reactions at a state-to-state level. The recently developed adiabatic potential energy surfaces (PESs) of the two triplet electronic states of 13A″ and 13A′ (Gómez-Carrasco S. et al., J Chem Phys121:4605, 2004; J Chem Phys123:114310, 2005) are employed in the present QCT calculations. Product vibrational and rotational state distributions have been calculated at three collision energies of 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 eV. The product vibrational state distributions are found to be Gaussian distributions. Both the vibrational and rotational state distributions depend clearly on the isotope substitution, electronic PESs and collision energies. The observed phenomena are probably attributed to the competition of direct and indirect reactions.

Vector correlations in the F + HO → HF + O reaction and its isotopic variant

The F + H(D)O → HF(DF) + O reactions have been studied using quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) calculation method, based on the three different potential energy surfaces (PESs) of Gomez-Carrasco et al. (J Chem Phys 2004, 121:4605; J Chem Phys 2005, 123:114310; Chem Phys Lett 2007, 435:188). Facilitated with the analysis of the QCT results, the pictures for product scattering and product polarizations have been presented to investigate the vector correlations in the two reactions, with effects of isotope substitution and electronic state as well as collision energy being revealed at a chemical stereodynamical level.

Quasi-classical trajectory study of the O(1D) + HF reaction dynamics on 11A′ potential energy surface

The quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) calculations for the title reaction were carried out using the recently developed, accurate potential energy surface (PES) of the [Formula: see text] singlet state of the OHF system The integral cross section and the product rotational alignment factor [Formula: see text] were calculated as a function of collision energy. In addition, I discovered the effect of isotopic substitution on stereodynamics for the title reaction, and the influence of the rotation excitation of the reagent on stereodynamics is also presented. Both the scalar and vector properties of the reaction O(1D) + HF → OH + F(2P) are studied in this paper. It was found that the reaction is mainly controlled by an indirect reaction mechanism, and that the deep noncollinear insertion HOF well has a great impact on the dynamics of the reaction. The conclusions drawn in this paper will draw from references to similar reactions, and provide a theoretical foundation for related experiments.

Nonadiabatic state-to-state reactive collisions among open shell reactants with conical intersections: the OH((2)Pi) + F((2)P) example

Accurate wave packet calculations on the OH((2)Pi) + F((2)P) → O((3)P) + HF((1)Sigma(+)) reactive collisions are performed using a recently proposed coupled diabatic states. Adiabatic and nonadiabatic dynamics are compared in detail, analyzing the final state distribution of products. It is found that with the new surfaces a significant increase of the rate constant is obtained, with noticeable nonadiabatic effects. The inclusion of the spin-orbit splittings for the calculation of the electronic partition function produces an important increase of the reaction rate constants, yielding a rather good agreement with the experimental results. It is also concluded that spin-orbit couplings are also necessary in the entrance channel to describe this reaction.

A quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) study of the H + OF reaction stereodynamics

Based on the global three-dimensional adiabatic potential surface of the 13A′ excited electronic state (J. Chem. Phys. 2005, 123, 114310) of the OHF system, we investigated the H + OF → OH + F/HF + O reaction stereodynamics by using the quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) method. The four polarization-dependent differential cross sections (PDDCSs) and the three angular distributions P(θr), P([Formula: see text]), P(θr, [Formula: see text]) were calculated at a low collision energy of 0.48 eV for both product channels. The results indicated that the products are backward-scattering on the triplet state, and the product rotational angular momenta are aligned or oriented. Moreover, there is a remarkable difference between the polarization behaviors of the two product channels. Product orientation exhibited by the OH + F channel is found to be absent in the HF + O channel at this collision energy albeit the latter shows stronger alignment along the direction perpendicular to the reagent relative velocity k than OH + F.

Quantum mechanics and quasiclassical study of the H/D+FO --> OH/OD+F, HF/DF+O reactions: chemical stereodynamics

The time-dependent quantum wave packet and the quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) calculations for the title reactions are carried out using three recent-developed accurate potential energy surfaces of the 1(1)A', 1(3)A', and 1(3)A'' states. The two commonly used polarization-dependent differential cross sections, dsigma(00)/domega(t), dsigma(20)/domega(t), with omega(t) being the polar coordinates of the product velocity omega', and the three angular distributions, P(theta(r)), P(Phi(r)), and P(theta(r),Phi(r)), with theta(r), Phi(r) being the polar angles of the product angular momentum, are generated in the center-of-mass frame using the QCT method to gain insight into the alignment and the orientation of the product molecules. Influences of the potential energy surface, the collision energy, and the isotope mass on the stereodynamics are shown and discussed. Validity of the QCT calculation has been examined and proved in the comparison with the quantum wave packet calculation.

Coupled diabatic potential energy surfaces for studying the nonadiabatic dynamics at conical intersections in angular resolved photodetachment simulations of OHF--->OHF+e-

An energy-based method is proposed for the diabatization of the OH(2Pi)+F(2P)-->O(3P)+HF(1Sigma+) reaction. It is demonstrated that the diabatic representation obtained is regularized, i.e., the residual derivative couplings do not present singularities at the conical intersections appearing along the reaction path. This method only requires the knowledge of the 1,2 3A" and 1 3A' eigenvalues and does not require any adjustable parameter. Thus, many convergence problems arising in other derivative-based diabatization methods are avoided, and the description of the configuration space along the reaction path is enormously simplified. Three-dimensional coupled diabatic energy surfaces are obtained by an interpolation procedure using approximately 4000 accurate ab initio points. The angular resolved photodetachment cross sections are obtained in the diabatic and adiabatic representations using a wave packet method. An excellent agreement is obtained with recent experimental data [D. M. Neumark, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 7, 433 (2005)] for high electron kinetic energies where only the triplet electronic states contribute.