Observation of a Magic Number in the Ion Distribution of Ethene Clusters
Abstract
The study of chemical reactivity in gas phase van der Waals clusters has become an increasingly active research area. Much of this interest has been generated by the unique position which clusters hold as an aggregate state of matter intermediate between the gas and condensed phases. In addition to this property, clusters provide the physical chemist with the ability to directly observe the effects of stepwise solvation on the course of a simple binary gas phase reaction. An understanding of the effects of solvation is critical in any attempt to forge a union between the disparate fields of gas and condensed phase (solution) chemistry. We present in this letter the observation of a magic number of n=4 in the (C2H4)(n+) cluster ion distribution only under experimental conditions of low nozzle temperature or high stagnation pressure. We attribute this result not to any special thermodynamic stability of the neutral or ionic cluster, and speculate that it is due to the formation of a C8H16(+) molecular ion. We feel that this product cation is formed via a series of exoergic condensation reactions which occur within the parent ethene cluster ion. Also presented in this letter are pressure dependence data which are used to elucidate other competing reactive mechanisms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA219837
Entities
People
- James F. Garvey
- M. Todd Coolbaugh
- William R. Peifer
Organizations
- University at Buffalo