Multi-dimensional steric effect for XeI* (B) formation in the oriented Xe* (3P2, MJ = 2) + oriented CH3I reaction

Abstract

Multi-dimensional steric effect for the XeI* (B) formation in the oriented Xe* (³P₂, M_J = 2) + oriented CH₃I reaction has been observed as a function of the mutual configuration between the molecular orientation and the atomic alignment in the collision frame. The molecular steric opacity function has been determined as a function of the atomic orbital alignment. The large molecular orientation dependence (i.e., the largest reactivity at the I-end and the large difference in the reaction probability between the I-end and the CH₃-end) and the large molecular alignment dependence (the poor reactivity at the sideway) is recognized for each atomic orbital alignment. In addition, a clear correlation between the molecular orientation and the atomic orbital alignment is recognized (i.e., the L_Z′ = 0 atomic orbital alignment is favorable for the molecular axis direction, while the |L_Z′| = 1 atomic orbital alignment is favorable for the sideway direction).