Gas Phase Ion Chemistry and Thermochemistry

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The Experimental Physical Chemistry Program supports Prof. Veronica Bierbaum of the University of Colorado-Boulder in her continuing studies of the kinetics, mechanisms and thermochemistry of gas phase ion-molecule reactions. Dr. Bierbaum will carry out research in the following areas: 1) the study of symmetric SN2 reactions of methyl chloride as a function of pressure, buffer gas and isotope substitution, and SN2 reactivity at neutral nitrogen in the gas phase; and 2) experimental and computational studies of ion thermochemistry to systems of atmospheric relevance. In addition, she will pursue two new projects: 3) the study of reactions of ions with nitrogen and oxygen atoms; and 4) chemical ionization detection of biogenic emissions. The PI will employ a tandem flowing afterglow-selected ion flow-drift tube coupled with a triple quadrupole detector to carry out the reactions and monitor products. The experimental results from this research program will contribute to our fundamental understanding of reaction kinetics, mechanism, and thermochemistry, as well as provide valuable comparison with theory. Much of the thermochemical data has relevance to important combustion and atmospheric processes. The characterization of biogenic emissions addresses a critical problem in atmospheric chemistry: the sources of high concentrations of oxygenated hydrocarbons in the earth's troposphere are not currently understood; however, their impact on atmospheric chemistry is significant.