Observation of magic numbers'' in the population distributions of the (NH sub 3 ) sub n minus 1 NH sup + sub 2 and (NH sub 3 ) sub n H sup + sub 2 cluster ions: Implications for cluster ion structures

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Journal of Chemical Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.457336· OSTI ID:5219084

Peifer, W R; Coolbaugh, M T; Garvey, J F ^[1]

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1. Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214 (US)

We have measured the relative yields of the cluster ions (NH{sub 3}){sub {ital n}{minus}1}NH{sup +}{sub 2} and (NH{sub 3}){sub {ital n}}H{sup +}{sub 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 {ital n}=7 in the distribution of (NH{sub 3}){sub {ital n}{minus}1}NH{sup +}{sub 2} cluster ions is interpreted in terms of an intracluster bimolecular association reaction between a nascent NH{sup +}{sub 2} daughter ion and an adjacent NH{sub 3} solvent molecule, giving rise to a protonated hydrazine product ion. Our observation of magic numbers at {ital n}=5 and {ital n}=8 in the (NH{sub 3}){sub {ital n}}H{sup +}{sub 2} cluster ion distribution is consistent with the production of the N{sub 2}H{sup +}{sub 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 N{sub 2}H{sup +}{sub 8} ions.

• OSTI ID: 5219084
• Journal Information: Journal of Chemical Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Chemical Physics; (USA) Vol. 91:11; ISSN JCPSA; ISSN 0021-9606
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640304* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Collision Phenomena
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ADDUCTS
AGGLOMERATION
AMMONIA
AMMONIUM COMPLEXES
BEAMS
CHARGED PARTICLES
CHEMICAL REACTION YIELD
COLLISIONS
COMPLEXES
ELECTRON COLLISIONS
ELECTRON-MOLECULE COLLISIONS
FLUID FLOW
HYDRIDES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
IONIZATION
IONS
MOLECULAR BEAMS
MOLECULAR IONS
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
MOLECULE COLLISIONS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN HYDRIDES
NUCLEATION
STABILITY
SUPERSONIC FLOW
YIELDS