Multiple channel dynamics in the O(1D) reaction with alkanes

Abstract

In this article, we briefly review the recent experimental studies of the multiple channel dynamics of the O(¹D) reaction with alkane molecules using the significantly improved universal crossed molecular beam technique. In these reactions, the dominant reaction mechanism is found to be an O atom insertion into the C–H bond, while a direct abstraction mechanism is also present in the OH formation channel. While the reaction mechanism is similar for all of these reactions, the product channels are quite different because of the significantly different energetics of these reaction channels. In the O(¹D) reaction with methane, OH formation is the dominant process while H atom formation is also a significant process. In the O(¹D) reaction with ethane, however, the CH₃ + CH₂OH is the most important process, OH formation is still significant and H atom formation is of minor importance. A new type of O atom insertion mechanism (insertion into a C–C bond) is also inferred from the O(¹D) reaction with cyclopropane. Through these comprehensive studies, complete dynamical pictures of many multiple channel chemical reactions could be obtained. Such detailed studies could provide a unique bridge between dynamics and kinetics research.