ISSN:
1089-7690
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
We have measured the relative yields of the cluster ions (NH3)n−1NH+2 and (NH3)nH+2 produced by electron impact ionization of a supersonic molecular beam of neutral ammonia clusters, as functions of cluster ion size, neutral beam stagnation temperature, and electron impact energy. Our observation of a magic number at n=7 in the distribution of (NH3)n−1NH+2 cluster ions is interpreted in terms of an intracluster bimolecular association reaction between a nascent NH+2 daughter ion and an adjacent NH3 solvent molecule, giving rise to a protonated hydrazine product ion. Our observation of magic numbers at n=5 and n=8 in the (NH3)nH+2 cluster ion distribution is consistent with the production of the N2H+8 Rydberg radical cation via an intracluster ion–molecule reaction. Our experimental results are consistent with recent theoretical predictions concerning the structure and stability of N2H+8 ions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.457336
