Laser‐induced emission of CH3O in solid argon

Infrared spectroscopy of the α-hydroxyethyl radical isolated in cryogenic solid media

The α-hydroxyethyl radical (CH3·CHOH, 2A) is a key intermediate in ethanol biochemistry, combustion, atmospheric chemistry, radiation chemistry, and astrochemistry. Experimental data on the vibrational spectrum of this radical are crucially important for reliable detection and understanding of the chemical dynamics of this species. This study represents the first detailed experimental report on the infrared absorption bands of the α-hydroxyethyl radical complemented by ab initio computations. The radical was generated in solid para-H2 and Xe matrices via the reactions of hydrogen atoms with matrix-isolated ethanol molecules and radiolysis of isolated ethanol molecules with x rays. The absorption bands with maxima at 3654.6, 3052.1, 1425.7, 1247.9, 1195.6 (1177.4), and 1048.4 cm-1, observed in para-H2 matrices appearing upon the H· atom reaction, were attributed to the OHstr, α-CHstr, CCstr, COstr + CCObend, COstr, and CCstr + CCObend vibrational modes of the CH3·CHOH radical, respectively. The absorption bands with the positions slightly red-shifted from those observed in para-H2 were detected in both the irradiated and post-irradiation annealed Xe matrices containing C2H5OH. The results of the experiments with the isotopically substituted ethanol molecules (CH3CD2OH and CD3CD2OH) and the quantum-chemical computations at the UCCSD(T)/L2a_3 level support the assignment. The photolysis with ultraviolet light (240-300 nm) results in the decay of the α-hydroxyethyl radical, yielding acetaldehyde and its isomer, vinyl alcohol. A comparison of the experimental and theoretical results suggests that the radical adopts the thermodynamically more stable anti-conformation in both matrices.

VIZSLA-Versatile Ice Zigzag Sublimation Setup for Laboratory Astrochemistry

In this article, a new multi-functional high-vacuum astrophysical ice setup, VIZSLA (Versatile Ice Zigzag Sublimation Setup for Laboratory Astrochemistry), is introduced. The instrument allows for the investigation of astrophysical processes both in a low-temperature para-H₂ matrix and in astrophysical analog ices. In the para-H₂ matrix, the reaction of astrochemical molecules with H atoms and H⁺ ions can be studied effectively. For the investigation of astrophysical analog ices, the setup is equipped with various irradiation and particle sources: an electron gun for modeling cosmic rays, an H atom beam source, a microwave H atom lamp for generating H Lyman-α radiation, and a tunable (213-2800 nm) laser source. For analysis, an FT-IR (and a UV-visible) spectrometer and a quadrupole mass analyzer are available. The setup has two cryostats, offering novel features for analysis. Upon the so-called temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), the molecules, desorbing from the substrate of the first cryogenic head, can be mixed with Ar and can be deposited onto the substrate of the other cryogenic head. The efficiency of the redeposition was measured to be between 8% and 20% depending on the sample and the redeposition conditions. The well-resolved spectrum of the molecules isolated in an Ar matrix serves a unique opportunity to identify the desorbing products of a processed ice. Some examples are provided to show how the para-H₂ matrix experiments and the TPD-matrix-isolation recondensation experiments can help understand astrophysically important chemical processes at low temperatures. It is also discussed how these experiments can complement the studies carried out by using similar astrophysical ice setups.

Simulation of Ã(2)A(1)←X̃(2)E laser excitation spectrum of CH3O and CD3O

A theoretical calculation of the laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectrum from X̃(2)E→Ã(2)A1 is carried out for CH3O and CD3O using a transition dipole moment surface expanded up to second order. The vibronic form of these operators is obtained using symmetry arguments. The Ã(2)A1 vibrational levels are calculated using Van Vleck perturbation theory, and the latter is used to adjust harmonic constants of the potential to match experimental fundamentals. The CH3O fit force field is tested on CD3O. For both molecules the transition energies are well reproduced, but there are systematic differences between experimental and theoretical intensities. The origins of these differences are discussed.

Mechanistical studies on the electron-induced degradation of polymethylmethacrylate and Kapton

Mechanisms for the electron-induced degradation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and Kapton polyimide (PMDA-ODA), both of which are commonly used in aerospace applications, were examined over a temperature range of 10 K to 300 K under ultra high vacuum (∼10(-11) Torr). The experiments were designed to simulate the interaction between the polymer materials and secondary electrons produced by interaction with galactic cosmic ray particles in the near-Earth space environment. Chemical alterations of the samples were monitored on line and in situ by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry during irradiation with 5 keV electrons and also prior and after the irradiation exposure via UV-vis. The irradiation-induced degradation of PMMA resulted in the formation and unimolecular decomposition of methyl carboxylate radicals (CH(3)OCO) forming carbon monoxide (k = 4.60 × 10(-3) s(-1)) and carbon dioxide (k = 1.29 × 10(-3) s(-1)). Temperature dependent gas-phase abundances for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and molecular hydrogen were also obtained for the PMMA and Kapton samples. The lower gas yields detected for irradiated Kapton were typically one or two orders of magnitude less than PMMA suggesting a higher degradation resistance to energetic electrons. In addition, UV-vis spectroscopy revealed the propagation of conjugated bonds induced by the irradiation of PMMA and indicated a decrease in the optical band gap by an increase in absorbance above 500 nm in irradiated Kapton.

Conformers and Photochemistry of Propyl Nitrites: A Matrix Isolation Study

The infrared spectra of both constitutional isomers (n and i) of propyl nitrite have been recorded in an Ar matrix. Conformational analysis and assignments of the vibrational transitions have been carried out on the basis of quantum chemical calculations. Assignment of spectral lines to different conformers was also aided experimentally, by utilizing the different rate of photodecomposition of the conformers, as well as by employing conformational cooling using a supersonic jet as the inlet source for matrix deposition. The rate of photodecomposition is primarily determined by the steric alignment of the nitrite group, whereas jet cooling affects mainly the conformation of the alkyl tail. On the basis of these experimental observations and computational predictions two to three conformers of isopropyl nitrite and eight conformers of n-propyl nitrite were identified. After broadband ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) photolysis of isopropyl nitrite in the matrix, HNO, acetone, HNO.acetone complex, acetaldehyde, and nitrosomethane were identified as the main products. Furthermore, in a small amount, NO and possibly the isopropoxy radical were also present in the matrix. Photolysis of n-propyl nitrite yielded HNO, propanal, and their 1:1 complex as the main products together with a small amount of NO and cis-1-nitrosopropanol.

Surface-induced C–O bond anharmonicity of methoxy adsorbed on Cu(100): Experiments and density-functional theory calculations

The anharmonic properties of a surface intermediate, methoxy, adsorbed on Cu(100) are investigated by surface infrared overtone spectroscopy and density-functional-theory electronic structure calculations. The anharmonicity is measured in the zero-coverage limit, and it is observed that the anharmonicity is increased upon adsorption as compared with the free methanol. By combining experiments with calculations we demonstrate that modifications of the anharmonicity of the methoxy species is indeed induced by adsorption onto the copper surface and not by the formation of the methoxy species.

Surface-enhanced raman detection of 2,4-dinitrotoluene impurity vapor as a marker to locate landmines

Time, cost, and casualties associated with demining efforts underscore the need for improved detection techniques. Reduction in the number of false positives by directly detecting the explosive material, rather than casing material, is desirable. The desired field sensor must, at a minimum, demonstrate reproducibility, the necessary level of sensitivity, portability, instrumental stability, and fast system response times. Ideally, vibrational spectroscopic techniques have the potential to remove false positives, since every chemical has a unique bond structure. Herein, we demonstrate the capabilities of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to detect the chemical vapor signature emanating from buried TNT-based landmines. We present reproducible results obtained from blind tests controlled by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that demonstrate vapor detection of 2,4-dinitrotoluene at concentration levels of 5 ppb or less. The results presented used acquisition times of 30 s on a fieldable system and showed that SERS can be a significant improvement over current landmine detection methods.