Reactive scattering of alkali dimers: K2+ HgCl2, HgBr2, HgI2

Abstract

Angular distribution measurements of KX reactive scattering of a potassium dimer K₂ beam by mercuric halide molecules HgX₂ are reported. All the reactions exhibit strong forward peaking in the centre of mass differential cross sections and large total reaction cross sections Q_r ∼ 150 Ų. However, there is substantial backward peaking ( forward peak) for HgBr₂, HgI₂. Despite the direct stripping dynamics, both alkali atoms of the K₂ dimer become bound alkali halide molecules in most (perhaps all) reactive collisions. A major fraction of the reaction exoergicity is disposed into vibrational excitation of the product KX molecules. A mechanism involving a first electron jump in the entrance valley and a second electron jump in the exit valley of the potential surface is suggested to explain the rapid transfer of both K₂ valence electrons.