State-to-State Reaction Dynamics

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In this project supported by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Richard Zare of Stanford University will obtain quantum-state-specific information on the dynamics of elementary gas-phase and gas-surface chemical reactions using molecular beam and laser spectroscopic methods. Experiments will povide the complete three-dimensional velocity distribution of products from the fundamental reactions H + D2 yield HD(v,J) + D and Cl + HD(v=1) yield HCl(v,J) + D or DCl(v,J) + H; measurement of alignment and orientation of fragments produced by molecular photodissociation; and characterization of speed, scattering angle, internal quantum state, and polarization of products produced by gas-surface reactions. The information obtained in this work enables chemists to understand better how chemical transformations occur by providing detailed observations that can be compared against the predictions of the best theoretical calculations. With such a better understanding it should be possible to engineer chemical reactions to give higher yields of desired products, resulting in less time spent separating and purifying reactions products and less energy expended in the entire process. A detailed knowledge of chemical reactions is also important in understanding atmospheric processes such as the interactions of greenhouse gases with light, other gases, and surfaces.