U.S.-Norway Cooperative Research: Investigations of Core-Ionization Energies, Acidities, and Related Chemical Properties

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Objectives and Relevance to Program Objedtives: This recommended award would allow Dr. T. Darrah Thomas, Oregon State University, and his research associate, Dr. Michele Siggel, to collaborate with Dr. Leif J. Saethre, University of Tromso, Norway. They will study chemical processes that depend on the ability of a molecule to accept charge. Two factors affect this ability: (1) the charge distribution in the neutral molecule, which establishes a potential at the site of interest that is more or less favorable to accepting charge, and (2) the ability of the valence electrons to rearrange after the charge is added, and thus create a more favorable environment for the added charge. The proposed research will try to determine the relative importance of these two factors in a variety of chemically interesting systems. The research will use combined measurements of core ionization energies, Auger kinetic energies, and gas-phase acidities together with theoretical calculations. Dr. Thomas has developed one of the outstanding electron spectroscopy laboratories in the world. Dr. Saethre has worked with Dr. Thomas' group in the past and this project is a continuation of their productive research history. The Norwegian research group is strong, especially for the required theoretical work of the project, and it has good research and computing facilities. The expected results of the research could increase the understanding of fundamental chemical properties. The project thus contributes to an important objective of NSF's cooperative science programs with Western Europe, which is to stimulate scientific progress by bringing together scientists from the U.S. and Europe who have similar research interests and who wish to engage in mutually beneficial research cooperation. Funds from this award would support necessary transportation and subsistence expenses for the U.S. principal investigator and members of his research group, as well as communication and shipping costs. Return visits by Dr. Saethre are anticipated. Merit of Proposal: The cooperating U.S. and foreign investigators are respected for their previous research accomplishments, and there is a very good prospect that this proposed research will lead to a significant contribution to scientific knowledge. The U.S. principal investigator is a respected, productive scientist. His foreign colleague is also carrying out important studies in this field. The work plan is sound and the budget is reasonable. Both research groups will contribute to the project and will benefit significantly from the cooperation. The government of Norway, through the Norwegian Council for Industrial and Scientific Research and the Norwegian Marshall Plan, is also providing support for the project. Funding: This award will not duplicate other funding. The principal investigator receives project support from NSF's Division of Chemistry, Experimental Physical Chemistry Program, Grant Nos. CHE-8613418 and CHE-8313251. This recommended INT award would fund the addition of an important international dimension to the first of these research projects.