Molecular-Beam Studies of Organic Reactions

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In this Experimental Physical Chemistry project, sponsored by the Chemistry Division, Profs. Cross and Saunders (Yale University) will study reaction dynamics of chemiionization using crossed molecular beams. These include Lewis acid/base, Bronsted acid/base, electron transfer, and SN2 reactions involving large molecules of general chemical interest. A novel feature of the project is the catalytic absorption of photons by transition state species. %%% Profs. Cross and Saunders (Yale University) will use molecular beams and ultraviolet radiation to measure the rates and elucidate the mechanisms of gas phase reactions of general chemical interest. Many of these reactions are well known in solution but proceed by quite different pathways in the gas, where no solvent is present. The nature of reactive intermediates in these reactions has been difficult to determine and has generated much controversy. The successful use of light to directly stimulate reactive intermediates is an important advance because it removes a major source of ambiguity.