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ABSTRACT: In this work, we report on the spectroscopy and dynamics of the quasi-linear S(2) state of chlorocarbene, CHCl, and its deuterated isotopologue using optical-optical double resonance (OODR) spectroscopy through selected rovibronic levels of the S(1) state. This study, which represents the first observation of the S(2) state in CHCl, builds upon our recent examination of the corresponding state in CHF, where pronounced mode specificity was observed in the dynamics, with predissociation rates larger for levels containing bending excitation. In the present work, a total of 14 S(2) state vibrational levels with angular momentum [script-l] = 1 were observed for CHCl, and 34 levels for CDCl. The range of [script-l] in this case was restricted by the pronounced Renner-Teller effect in the low-lying S(1) levels, which severely reduces the fluorescence lifetime for levels with K(a) > 0. Nonetheless, by exploiting different intermediate S(1) levels, we observed progressions involving all three fundamental vibrations. For levels with long predissociation lifetimes, rotational constants were determined by measuring spectra through different intermediate J levels of the S(1) state. Plots of the predissociation linewidth (lifetime) vs. energy for various S(2) levels show an abrupt onset, which lies near the calculated threshold for elimination to form C((3)P) + HCl on the triplet surface. Our experimental results are compared with a series of high level ab initio calculations, which included the use of a dynamically weighted full-valence CASSCF procedure, focusing maximum weight on the state of interest (the singlet and triplet states were computed separately). This was used as the reference for subsequent Davidson-corrected MRCI(+Q) calculations. These calculations reveal the presence of multiple conical intersections in the singlet manifold.
The Journal of chemical physics 09/2012; 137(10):104307. · 3.09 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In this work, we report on our full results of the spectroscopic analysis of the quasi-linear S(2) state of the prototypical halocarbene, CHF, and its deuterated isotopomer CDF using optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy through the S(1) state. A total of 51 S(2) state vibrational levels with angular momenta in the range [script-l] = 0-3 were observed for CHF, and 76 levels for CDF. Progressions involving all three fundamental vibrations were observed, and rotational constants were determined for each of these levels by measuring spectra through different intermediate J levels of the S(1) state. Our experimental results are in excellent agreement with the predictions of vibrational calculations using the discrete variable representation method. The variational vibrational calculations were performed with an analytic potential energy surface fit to ab initio data by the method of interpolating moving least squares. The ab initio data are Davidson-corrected multi-reference configuration interaction calculations based on a state-averaged multiconfigurational self-consistent field reference incorporating a generalized dynamic weighting scheme.
The Journal of chemical physics 09/2011; 135(10):104315. · 3.09 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In this work, we report on our full results of the dynamics of the quasi-linear, predissociated S(2) state of the prototypical halocarbene, CHF, and its deuterated isotopomer CDF using optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy through the S(1) state. Homogeneous linewidths were determined for a total of 51 S(2) state vibrational levels with angular momenta in the range [script-l] = 0-3 for CHF, and 76 levels for CDF. Progressions involving all three fundamental vibrations were observed. The linewidth data reveal pronounced mode specificity for both CHF and CDF, where pure bending states have the largest linewidths. For CDF, the linewidths are uniformly narrower. Calculated (CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVQZ//MP2/aug-cc-pVQZ) stationary points on the CHF potential energy surface show that two dissociative pathways are available at the energies accessed in this experiment: dissociation on the triplet surface, over a barrier, to form C((3)P) + HF, and dissociation to ground state CF + H products. The former is excluded as a primary channel based on the small spin-orbit coupling in this system. A 27-state dynamically weighted full-valence complete active space self-consistent field calculation was performed with maximal weight focused on the S(2) state, which was then used as a reference for Davidson-corrected multireference configuration interaction calculations MRCI(+Q) of the three lowest A(') and two lowest A(") states. These calculations reveal the presence of multiple conical intersections in the singlet manifold. Consistent with our experimental results, the most important of these involves the repulsive S(3) state, which conically intersects with S(2) at linearity.
The Journal of chemical physics 09/2011; 135(10):104316. · 3.09 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Dynamically adjusting the weights in state-averaged multiconfigurational self-consistent field (SA-MCSCF) calculations using an energy-dependent functional allows the electronic wave function to smoothly evolve across the potential energy surface (PES) and correctly preserves differing asymptotic electronic-state degeneracy patterns. We have developed a generalized dynamic weighting (GDW) method to treat high-lying electronic states. To test the method, a global PES was constructed for the S2 (B̃) state of CHF (CDF), which lies nearly 31000 cm−1 above the minimum of the ground state. The GDW method was used to produce SA-MCSCF reference states for subsequent multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) calculations, whose Davidson-corrected energies were extrapolated to the complete basis set limit. Quantum mechanical vibrational energy calculations for CDF were performed using the fitted PES, and the predicted energy levels are in excellent agreement with an extensive set of experimentally determined (optical−optical double resonance) levels, with a mean unsigned error of only 12 cm−1.Keywords (keywords): carbenes; ab initio quantum chemistry; excited electronic states; multireference; dynamic weighting; MRCI
01/2010;
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ABSTRACT: Dynamically adjusting the weights in state-averaged multiconfigura-tional self-consistent field (SA-MCSCF) calculations using an energy-dependent functional allows the electronic wave function to smoothly evolve across the potential energy surface (PES) and correctly preserves differing asymptotic electro-nic-state degeneracy patterns. We have developed a generalized dynamic weighting (GDW) method to treat high-lying electronic states. To test the method, a global PES was constructed for the S 2 (~ B) state of CHF (CDF), which lies nearly 31000 cm -1 above the minimum of the ground state. The GDW method was used to produce SA-MCSCF reference states for subsequent multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) calculations, whose Davidson-corrected energies were extrapolated to the complete basis set limit. Quantum mechanical vibrational energy calculations for CDF were performed using the fitted PES, and the predicted energy levels are in excellent agreement with an extensive set of experimentally determined (optical-optical double resonance) levels, with a mean unsigned error of only 12 cm -1 . SECTION Dynamics, Clusters, Excited States Q uantitative theoretical spectroscopy for small systems in ground electronic states is well-establish-ed. 1-4 The errors associated with solving for the vibrational energy levels are typically small, and the overall error in the computed energy levels is primarily determined by the quality of the potential energy surface (PES). High-quality PESs may be obtained by fitting high-level ab initio data to analytic functional forms, with additional refinements based on experimental data sometimes re-quired. 5,6 The interpolative moving least-squares (IMLS) method accurately and efficiently interpolates a dynamically grown set of ab initio data with a negligible fitting error, thus allowing for a direct assessment of the dynamical accuracy of the underlying electronic structure method. 7-9 Previously, vibrational energy-level calculations for 1 CH 2 and HCN in their ground electronic states were reported for several ab initio methods using IMLS, where the fitting error was shown to be less than 1 cm -1 . 9 The automated IMLS PES generator used in the present study runs in parallel, interfaces with ab initio electronic structure codes, and produces analytic fitted sur-faces suitable for efficient use in spectroscopy and other dynamics applications. Calculating accurate global PESs for excited electronic states is much more challenging. 10 Multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) calculations can be accurate, but they are not straightforward when the character and/or number of energetically relevant electronic states changes throughout the configuration range of interest. The ab initio method of dynamically adjusting the relative weights in a state-averaged multiconfigurational self-consis-tent field calculation (DW-SA-MCSCF) was introduced re-cently by Deskevich et al. and has been implemented in the Molpro program suite. 11,12 DW-SA-MCSCF produces a ba-lanced description of the orbitals, smoothly evolving the wave function with respect to varying coordinates (for example, along a reaction path), thus correctly preserving differing asymptotic electronic-state degeneracy patterns. The DW scheme overcomes problems with convergence and discontinuities that can plague fixed weight calculations in certain regions of the PES, particularly when high-lying valence and Rydberg states form avoided crossings with one or more states of interest. For quantitative studies, post-MCSCF methods such as MRCI are required, and DW-MRCI denotes the use of DW-SA-MCSCF orbitals in a subsequent MRCI calculation.
J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 01/2010; 1:641-646.
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ABSTRACT: We report studies aimed at unraveling the complicated structure of the CCl2 Ã1B1 ← X̃1A1 system. We have remeasured the fluorescence excitation spectrum from 17 500 to 24 000 cm−1 and report the term energies and A rotational constants of many new bands for both major isotopologues (C35Cl2, C35Cl37Cl). We fit the observed term energies to a polyad effective Hamiltonian model and demonstrate that a single resonance term accounts for much of the observed mixing, which begins 1300 cm−1 above the vibrationless level of the Ã1B1 state. The derived Ã1B1 vibrational parameters are in excellent agreement with ab initio predictions, and the mixing coefficients deduced from the polyad model fit are in close agreement with those derived from direct fits of single vibronic level (SVL) emission intensities. The approach to linearity and thus the Renner−Teller (RT) intersection is probed through the energy dependence of the A rotational constant and fluorescence lifetime measurements, which indicate a barrier height above the vibrationless level of the X̃1A1 state of 23 000−23 500 cm−1, in excellent agreement with ab initio theory.
10/2008;
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ABSTRACT: We report studies aimed at unraveling the complicated structure of the CCl 2 A (1)B 1 <-- X (1)A 1 system. We have remeasured the fluorescence excitation spectrum from approximately 17,500 to 24,000 cm (-1) and report the term energies and A rotational constants of many new bands for both major isotopologues (C (35)Cl 2, C (35)Cl (37)Cl). We fit the observed term energies to a polyad effective Hamiltonian model and demonstrate that a single resonance term accounts for much of the observed mixing, which begins approximately 1300 cm (-1) above the vibrationless level of the A (1)B 1 state. The derived A (1)B 1 vibrational parameters are in excellent agreement with ab initio predictions, and the mixing coefficients deduced from the polyad model fit are in close agreement with those derived from direct fits of single vibronic level (SVL) emission intensities. The approach to linearity and thus the Renner-Teller (RT) intersection is probed through the energy dependence of the A rotational constant and fluorescence lifetime measurements, which indicate a barrier height above the vibrationless level of the X (1)A 1 state of approximately 23,000-23,500 cm (-1), in excellent agreement with ab initio theory.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 10/2008; 112(45):11355-62. · 2.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We report on high resolution studies of spin-orbit mixing and the singlet-triplet gap in a prototypical halocarbene, CHCl, using stimulated emission pumping (SEP) spectroscopy from the A (1)A(") state. Results are reported for two isotopomers, CH(35)Cl and CD(35)Cl. We have obtained rotationally resolved spectra for the majority of X (1)A(') levels lying between 0 and 6000 cm(-1) above the zero-point level that were previously observed under low resolution in single vibronic level emission studies and several new levels that were previously unobserved or unresolved. In addition, SEP spectra were obtained for six a (3)A(") levels in CH(35)Cl and three levels in CD(35)Cl. The derived term energies and rovibrational parameters of the X (1)A(') and a (3)A(") states are in good agreement with theory. The a (3)A(") triplet spin-spin parameter is vibrational state dependent, and dominated by a second-order contribution from spin-orbit coupling with nearby X (1)A(') levels; it therefore provides a sensitive probe of spin-orbit mixing in this system. An analysis of three pairs of interactions between specific a (3)A(") and X (1)A(') levels in CH(35)Cl affords a pure electronic spin-orbit coupling element of 150 cm(-1), in good agreement with theoretical expectations. The derived singlet-triplet gaps, which are the most precise determined to date for any carbene, are compared with the predictions of high level ab initio theory.
The Journal of chemical physics 10/2008; 129(10):104309. · 3.09 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Among the most important of chemical intermediates are the carbenes, characterized by a divalent carbon that generates low-lying biradical (triplet) and spin-paired (singlet) configurations with unique chemical reactivities. The "holy grail" of carbene chemistry has been determining the singlet-triplet gap and intersystem crossing rates. We report here the first high resolution spectra of singlet-triplet transitions in a prototypical singlet carbene, CHCl, which probe in detail the triplet state structure and spin-orbit coupling with the ground singlet state. Our spectra reveal a pronounced vibrational state dependence of the triplet state spin-spin splitting parameter, which we show is a sensitive probe of spin-orbit coupling with nearby singlet states. The parameters derived from our spectra, including a precise determination of the singlet-triplet energy gap, are in excellent agreement with recent ab initio calculations.
The Journal of Chemical Physics 06/2008; 128(17):171101. · 3.33 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We have recorded stimulated emission pumping (SEP) spectra of the A1A' ' 1A' system of CHF, which reveal rich detail concerning the rovibronic structure of the 1A' state up to approximately 7000 cm-1 above the vibrationless level. Using several intermediate A1A' ' state levels, we obtained rotationally resolved spectra for 16 of the 33 levels observed in our previous single vibronic level (SVL) emission study (Fan et al., J. Chem. Phys. 2005, 123, 014314), in addition to one new level. An anharmonic effective Hamiltonian model poorly reproduces the term energies even with the improved set of data because of the extensive interactions among levels in a given polyad (p) having combinations of nu1, nu2, nu3, which satisfy the relationship p = 2nu1 + nu2 + nu3. However, the precise A rotational constants determined from the SEP data were invaluable in clarifying the assignments for these strongly perturbed levels, and the data are well reproduced using a multiresonance effective Hamiltonian model. The derived vibrational parameters are in good agreement with high level ab initio calculations. The experimental frequencies were combined with those of CDF to derive a harmonic force field and average (rz,r(z)e) structures for the ground state.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 02/2008; 112(3):466-71. · 2.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We have recorded stimulated emission pumping (SEP) spectra of the Ã1A‘ ‘ → X̃1A‘ system of CHF, which reveal rich detail concerning the rovibronic structure of the X̃1A‘ state up to 7000 cm-1 above the vibrationless level. Using several intermediate Ã1A‘ ‘ state levels, we obtained rotationally resolved spectra for 16 of the 33 levels observed in our previous single vibronic level (SVL) emission study (Fan et al., J. Chem. Phys. 2005, 123, 014314), in addition to one new level. An anharmonic effective Hamiltonian model poorly reproduces the term energies even with the improved set of data because of the extensive interactions among levels in a given polyad (p) having combinations of ν1, ν2, ν3, which satisfy the relationship p = 2ν1 + ν2 + ν3. However, the precise A rotational constants determined from the SEP data were invaluable in clarifying the assignments for these strongly perturbed levels, and the data are well reproduced using a multiresonance effective Hamiltonian model. The derived vibrational parameters are in good agreement with high level ab initio calculations. The experimental frequencies were combined with those of CDF to derive a harmonic force field and average (rz,) structures for the ground state.
01/2008;
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ABSTRACT: Building upon our recent observation of the gas-phase electronic spectrum of the iodomethyl cation (CH2I+), we report an extensive study of the electronic spectroscopy of CH2I+ and its deuterated isotopomers CHDI+ and CD2I+ using a combination of fluorescence excitation and single vibronic level (SVL) emission spectroscopies. The spectra were measured in the gas phase under jet-cooled conditions using a pulsed discharge source. Fluorescence excitation spectra reveal a dominant progression in nu3 (C-I stretch), the frequency of which is markedly smaller in the upper state. Rotational analysis shows that, while the A constant is similar in the two states, the excited state has significantly smaller B and C constants. These results indicate a lengthening of the C-I bond upon electronic excitation, consistent with calculations which show that this transition is analogous to the well-known pi-pi* transition in the isoelectronic substituted formaldehydes. SVL emission spectra show progressions involving four of the six vibrational modes; only the C-H(D) stretching modes remain unobserved. The vibrational parameters determined from a Dunham expansion fit of the ground state vibrational term energies are in excellent agreement with the predictions of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A normal-mode analysis was completed to derive a harmonic force field for the ground state, where resonance delocalization of the positive charge leads to partial double bond character, H2C+-I <--> H2C=I+, giving rise to a C-I stretching frequency significantly larger than that of the iodomethyl radical.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 10/2007; 111(42):10562-6. · 2.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The magnitude of the singlet-triplet gap in dichloromethylene (CCl(2)) has been a point of controversy in the recent literature. In this study, we report single vibronic level emission spectra of the A(1)B(1)-->X[combining tilde](1)A(1) system of the carbene C(35)Cl(2), which probes the vibrational structure of the X[combining tilde](1)A(1) state up to approximately 10,000 cm(-1) above the vibrationless level. By the careful selection of bands where complete isotope and K(a)' selectivity in excitation was possible, we measured K(a)'-sorted emission spectra in order to test the previously established hypothesis [M.-L. Liu, C.-L. Lee, A. Bezant, G. Tarczay, R. J. Clark, T. A. Miller and B.-C. Chang, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2003, 5, 1352] that unassigned lines lying above approximately 5,000 cm(-1) belong to levels of the ã(3)B(1) state. The K(a)'-sorting method discriminates between singlet and triplet levels via the (A''-B[combining macron]'') rotational constant, which is significantly larger for pure triplet levels due to the larger equilibrium bond angle. In the region between 3,500 and 9,000 cm(-1) above the vibrationless level of the X[combining tilde](1)A(1) state, we find only a very modest increase in (A''-B[combining macron]''), and approximately 86% of the lines observed between 5,000 and 9,000 cm(-1) can be assigned to X[combining tilde](1)A(1) levels within 3 standard deviations of our Dunham expansion fit, which included more than 140 levels in total. A nearly complete set of Dunham parameters was determined for the C(35)Cl(2) isotopomer, and the X[combining tilde](1)A(1) state term energies up to 4,000 cm(-1) are in excellent agreement with recent variational calculations of Tarczay, et al. [G. Tarczay, T. A. Miller, G, Czakó and A. G. Császár, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2005, 7, 2881]. Finally, the implication of our results for the singlet-triplet gap in dichloromethylene is discussed.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 11/2006; 8(37):4320-6. · 3.57 Impact Factor
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Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy 10/2006; 240:139-140. · 1.51 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We report fluorescence excitation and single vibronic level emission spectra of jet-cooled CDBr in the 450–750 nm region. A total of 32 cold bands involving the pure bending levels 20n with n = 3–10 and combination bands 20n301 (n = 2–10), 20n302 (n = 2–9), 10120n (n = 7–10), and 10120n301 (n = 6,8–9) in the ← system of this carbene were observed; most of these are reported and/or rotationally analyzed here for the first time. Rotational analysis yielded band origins and effective () rotational constants for both bromine isotopomers (CD79Br and CD81Br). The derived vibrational intervals are combined with results of
Yu et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 115, 5433 (2001)
] to derive barriers to linearity for the 2n, 2n31, and 2n32 progressions. The state C–D stretching frequency (2350 cm−1) is determined for the first time, in excellent agreement with theory, as are the – isotope splittings in the excited state. Our emission spectra probe the vibrational structure of the and states up to ∼ 9000 cm−1 above the vibrationless level of the state; the total number of levels observed is around twice that previously reported. Unlike CHBr, where even the lowest bending levels are perturbed by spin-orbit interaction with the triplet origin, the term energy of every level save one below 3000 cm−1 in CDBr is reproduced by a Dunham expansion to within a standard deviation of 1 cm−1, and a spin-orbit coupling matrix element of ∼ 330 cm−1 is derived from a deperturbation analysis of the triplet origin. The multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) calculations of
Yu et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 115, 5433 (2001)
] well reproduce triplet perturbations in the pure bending manifold, and globally, the vibrational frequencies of , , and are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions.
The Journal of Chemical Physics 09/2006; 125(9):094305-094305-9. · 3.33 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We report fluorescence excitation and single vibronic level emission spectra of jet-cooled CDBr in the 450-750 nm region. A total of 32 cold bands involving the pure bending levels 2(0)n with n=3-10 and combination bands 2(0)n3(0)1 (n=2-10), 2(0)n3(0)2 (n=2-9), 1(0)(1)2(0)n (n=7-10), and 1(0)(1)2(0)n3(0)(1) (n=6,8-9) in the A1A" <-- X1A' system of this carbene were observed; most of these are reported and/or rotationally analyzed here for the first time. Rotational analysis yielded band origins and effective (B) rotational constants for both bromine isotopomers (CD79Br and CD81Br). The derived A1A" vibrational intervals are combined with results of Yu et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 115, 5433 (2001)] to derive barriers to linearity for the 2n, 2n3(1), and 2n3(2) progressions. The A1A" state C-D stretching frequency (2350 cm(-1)) is determined for the first time, in excellent agreement with theory, as are the 79Br-81Br isotope splittings in the excited state. Our emission spectra probe the vibrational structure of the X1A' and a3A" states up to approximately 9000 cm(-1) above the vibrationless level of the X1A' state; the total number of levels observed is around twice that previously reported. Unlike CHBr, where even the lowest bending levels are perturbed by spin-orbit interaction with the triplet origin, the term energy of every level save one below 3000 cm(-1) in CDBr is reproduced by a Dunham expansion to within a standard deviation of 1 cm(-1), and a spin-orbit coupling matrix element of approximately 330 cm(-1) is derived from a deperturbation analysis of the triplet origin. The multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) calculations of Yu et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 115, 5433 (2001)] well reproduce triplet perturbations in the pure bending manifold, and globally, the vibrational frequencies of X1A', a3A", and A1A" are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions.
The Journal of Chemical Physics 09/2006; 125(9):094305. · 3.33 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We report the first gas-phase observation of the electronic spectrum of a simple halocarbocation, CH2I+. The ion was generated rotationally cold (Trot approximately 20 K) using pulsed discharge methods and was detected via laser spectroscopy. The identity of the spectral carrier was confirmed by modeling the rotational contour observed in the excitation spectra and by comparison of ground state vibrational frequencies determined by single vibronic level emission spectroscopy with Density Functional Theory (DFT) predictions. The transition was assigned as 3A1 <-- X1A1. This initial detection of the electronic spectrum of a halocarbocation in the gas phase should open new avenues for study of the structure and reactivity of these important ions.
Journal of the American Chemical Society 07/2006; 128(29):9320-1. · 9.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We report new fluorescence excitation and single vibronic level emission spectra of the A (1)A(")<-->X (1)A(') system of CHCl. A total of 21 cold bands involving the pure bending levels 2(0) (n) with n=1-7 and combination bands 2(0) (n)3(0) (1)(n=4-7), 2(0) (n)3(0) (2)(n=4-6), 1(0) (1)2(0) (n)(n=5-7), 1(0) (1)2(0) (n)3(0) (1)(n=4-6), and 1(0) (1)2(0) (n)3(0) (2)(n=4) were observed in the 450-750 nm region; around half of these are reported and/or rotationally analyzed here for the first time. Spectra were measured under jet-cooled conditions using a pulsed discharge source, and rotational analysis typically yielded band origins and rotational constants for both isotopomers (CH(35)Cl,CH(37)Cl). The derived A (1)A(") vibrational intervals are combined with results of Chang and Sears to determine the excited state barrier to linearity [V(b)=1920(50) cm(-1)]. The A (1)A(") state C-H stretching frequency is determined here for the first time, in excellent agreement with ab initio predictions. Following our observation of new bands in this system, we obtained the single vibronic level (SVL) emission spectra which probe the vibrational structure of the X (1)A(') state up to approximately 9000 cm(-1) above the vibrationless level. The total number of X (1)A(') levels observed is around three times than that previously reported, and we observe five new a (3)A(") state levels, including all three fundamentals. The results of a Dunham expansion fit of the ground state vibrational term energies, and comparisons with the previous experimental and recent high level ab initio studies, are reported. Our data confirm the previous assignment of the a (3)A(") origin, and our value for T(00)(a-X)=2172(2) cm(-1) is in excellent agreement with theory. By exploiting SVL spectra from excited state levels with K(a) (')=1, we determine the effective rotational constant (A-B) of the triplet origin, also in good agreement with theory. Our results shed new light on the vibrational structure of the X (1)A('), A (1)A("), and a (3)A(") states of CHCl, and, more generally, spin-orbit coupling in the monohalocarbenes.
The Journal of Chemical Physics 07/2006; 124(22):224314. · 3.33 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We report fluorescence excitation and emission spectra of CHBr in the 450-750 nm region. A total of 30 cold bands involving the pure bending levels 2(0)(n) with n=2-8 and combination bands 2(0)(n)3(0)(1)(n=1-8), 2(0) (n)3(0)(2)(n=1-6), 2(0)(n)3(0)(3)(n=1-2), 1(0)(1)2(0)(n)(n=5-7), 1(0)(1)2(0)(n)3(0)(1)(n=4-6), and 1(0)(1)2(0)(n)3(0)(2)(n=5) in the A (1)A(")<--X (1)A(') system were observed, in addition to a number of hot bands. The majority of these are reported and/or rotationally analyzed here for the first time. Spectra were measured under jet-cooled conditions using a pulsed discharge source, and rotational analysis yielded band origins and rotational constants for both bromine isotopomers (CH (79)Br,CH (81)Br). The derived A (1)A(") vibrational intervals are combined with results of [Yu et al. J. Chem. Phys. 115, 5433 (2001)] to derive barriers to linearity for the 2(n), 2(n)3(1), and 2(n)3(2) progressions. The A (1)A(") state C-H stretching frequency is determined here for the first time, and the observed nu(3) dependence of the (79)Br-(81)Br isotope splitting in the A(1)A(") state is in good agreement with theoretical expectations. Our dispersed fluorescence spectra probe the vibrational structure of the X(1)A(') state up to approximately 9000 cm(-1) above the vibrationless level; the total number of levels observed is more than twice that previously reported. As first reported by [Chen et al. J. Mol. Spectrosc. 209, 254 (2001)], these spectra reveal numerous perturbations due to spin-orbit interaction with the low-lying a(3)A(") state. The results of a Dunham expansion fit of the ground state vibrational term energies, and comparisons with previous experimental and theoretical studies, are reported. Our results lead to several revised assignments, including the X (1)A(') C-H stretching fundamental. Globally, the vibrational frequencies of X(1)A('), a(3)A("), and A(1)A(") are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions.
The Journal of Chemical Physics 04/2006; 124(13):134302. · 3.33 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To further investigate the Renner-Teller (RT) effect and barriers to linearity and dissociation in the simplest singlet carbene, we recorded fluorescence excitation spectra of bands involving the pure bending levels 2(n)(0) with n = 0-9 and the combination states 1(1)(0)2(n)(0) with n = 1-8 and 2(n)(0)3(1)(0) with n = 0-5 in the A(1)A''<-- X(1)A' system of CDF, in addition to some weak hot bands. The spectra were measured under jet-cooled conditions using a pulsed discharge source, and rotationally analyzed to yield precise values for the band origins and rotational constants; fluorescence lifetimes were also measured to probe for lifetime lengthening effects due to the RT interaction. The derived A state parameters are compared with previous results for CHF and with predictions of ab initio electronic structure theory. The approach to linearity in the A state is evidenced in a sharp increase in the A rotational constant with bending excitation, and a minimum in the vibrational intervals near 2(9). A fit of the vibrational intervals for the pure bending levels yields an A state barrier to linearity in good agreement both with that previously derived for CHF and ab initio predictions. From the spectra and lifetime measurements, the onset of extensive RT perturbations is found to occur at a higher energy than in CHF, consistent with the smaller A constant.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 03/2006; 8(6):707-13. · 3.57 Impact Factor