Photoionization of ethylene clusters

Abstract

The energetics of the ethylene ion–molecule reactions has been investigated in more detail than previously possible in two body collision experiments by photoionization of the neutral van der Waals ethylene dimer. The stability of the ion–molecule collision complex (18.2±0.5 kcal) as well as the highest potential barrier along the reaction coordinate for decomposition have been determined for this exothermic reaction. In a similar manner, the energetics of the solvated ethylene ion has been investigated by photoionization of the ethylene trimer.