Dissociative electron attachment to HGaF4 Lewis–Brønsted superacid

Abstract

The consequences of an excess electron attachment to HGaF₄ (HF/GaF₃) superacid are investigated on the basis of theoretical calculations employing ab initio methods. It is found that the dipole potential of HGaF₄ plays an important role in the initial formation of a dipole-bound anionic state. Due to the kinetic instability of that initially formed anion, a fragmentation reaction occurs promptly and leads to (GaF₄)⁻ and H as the final products. The energy profile of this process, its rate, and mechanism are presented and discussed.