Anne B McCoy

The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

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Publications (71)361.81 Total impact

  • Article: Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy of the Hydroxy-Methyl-Peroxy Radical.
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    ABSTRACT: We report vibrational and electronic spectra of the hydroxyl-methyl-peroxy radical (HOCH2OO, or HMP), the primary product of the reaction of the hydroperoxy radical, HO2, and formaldehyde, HCHO. The ν1 vibrational (OH stretch) spectrum and the Ã-X electronic spectrum of HMP were detected by Infrared Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy (IR-CRDS), and assignments were verified with density functional calculations. The HMP radical was generated in reactions of HCHO with HO2. Free radical reactions were initiated by pulsed laser photolysis (PLP) of Cl2 in the presence of HCHO and O2 in a flow reactor at 300-330 Torr and 295K. IR-CRDS spectra were measured in mid-IR and near-IR regions over the ranges 3525-3700 cm(-1) (ν1) and 7250-7800 cm(-1) (Ã-X) (respectively, at a delay time 100 µs after photolysis. The ν1 spectrum had an origin at 3622 cm(-1) and exhibited partially resolved P- and R-branch contours and a small Q branch. At these short delay times, spectral interference from HOOH and HCOOH was minimal, and could be subtracted. From B3LYP/6-31G+(d,p) calculations, we found that the anharmonic vibrational frequency and band contour predicted for the lowest energy conformer, HMP-A, The calculated anharmonic vibrational frequency and band contour computed using B3LYP/63-1G(d,p) level were in good agreement with the observed spectrum. In the near-IR, we observed four well spaced vibronic bands, each with partially resolved rotational contours. We assigned the apparent origin of the electronic spectrum of HMP at 7392 cm(-1) and two bands to the blue to a progression in ν15', the lowest torsional mode of the state (ν15'= 171 cm(-1)). The band furthest to the red was assigned as a hot band in ν15", leading to a ground state torsional frequency of (ν15"= 122 cm(-1)). We simulated the spectrum using second order vibrational perturbation theory (VPT2) with B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) calculations at the minimum energy geometries of the HMP-A conformer on the X ̃ and A ̃ states. The predictions of the electronic origin frequency, torsional frequencies, anharmonicities and rotational band contours matched the observed spectrum. We investigated the torsional modes more explicitly by computing potential energy surfaces of HMP as a function of the two dihedral angles τOCOH and τOOCO. Wave functions and energy levels were calculated based on this potential surface; these results were used to calculate the Franck-Condon factors, which reproduced the vibronic band intensities in the observed electronic spectrum. The transitions that we observed all involved states with wave functions localized on the minimum energy conformer, HMP-A. Our calculations indicated that the observed near-IR spectrum was that of the minimum energy conformer HMP-A, but that this conformer is not the lowest energy conformer in the state, which remains unobserved. We estimated that the energy of this lowest conformer (HMP-B) of the à state to be T0 (Ã) ≈ 7200 cm(-1), based on the energy difference E0(HMP-B) - E0(HMP-A) on the à state computed at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level.
    The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 05/2013; · 2.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Diffusion Monte Carlo in Internal Coordinates.
    Andrew S Petit, Anne B McCoy
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    ABSTRACT: An internal coordinate extension of diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) is described as a first step towards a generalized reduced-dimensional DMC approach. The method places no constraints on the choice of internal coordinates other than the requirement that they all be independent. Using H(3)(+) and its isotopologues as model systems, the methodology is shown to be capable of successfully describing the ground state properties of molecules that undergo large amplitude, zero-point vibrational motions. Combining the approach developed here with the fixed-node approximation allows vibrationally excited states to be treated. Analysis of the ground state probability distribution is shown to provide important insights into the set of internal coordinates that are less strongly coupled and therefore more suitable for use as the nodal coordinates for the fixed-node DMC calculations. In particular, the curvilinear normal mode coordinates are found to provide reasonable nodal surfaces for the fundamentals of H(2)D(+) and D(2)H(+) despite both molecules being highly fluxional.
    The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 02/2013; · 2.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Using fixed-node diffusion Monte Carlo to investigate the effects of rotation-vibration coupling in highly fluxional asymmetric top molecules: Application to H(2)D(+).
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    ABSTRACT: A fixed-node diffusion Monte Carlo approach for obtaining the energies and wave functions of the rotationally excited states of asymmetric top molecules that undergo large amplitude, zero-point vibrational motions is reported. The nodal surfaces required to introduce rotational excitation into the diffusion Monte Carlo calculations are obtained from the roots of the asymmetric top rigid rotor wave functions calculated using the system's zero-point, vibrationally averaged rotational constants. Using H(2)D(+) as a model system, the overall accuracy of the methodology is tested by comparing to the results of converged variational calculations. The ability of the fixed-node diffusion Monte Carlo approach to provide insights into the nature and strength of the rotation-vibration coupling present in the rotationally excited states of highly fluxional asymmetric tops is discussed. Finally, the sensitivity of the methodology to the details of its implementation, such as the choice of embedding scheme, is explored.
    The Journal of chemical physics 01/2013; 138(3):034105. · 3.09 Impact Factor
  • Article: Correction to "Spectroscopic Study of the Ion-Radical H-Bond in H(4)O(2)(+").
    The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 08/2012; · 2.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Sub-Doppler infrared spectroscopy of CH2D radical in a slit supersonic jet: isotopic symmetry breaking in the CH stretching manifold.
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    ABSTRACT: First high-resolution infrared absorption spectra in the fundamental symmetric/asymmetric CH stretching region of isotopically substituted methyl radical, CH(2)D, are reported and analyzed. These studies become feasible in the difference frequency spectrometer due to (i) high density radical generation via dissociative electron attachment to CH(2)DI in a discharge, (ii) low rotational temperatures (23 K) from supersonic cooling in a slit expansion, (iii) long absorption path length (64 cm) along the slit axes, and (iv) near shot noise limited absorption sensitivity (5 × 10(-7)/√(Hz)). The spectra are fully rovibrationally resolved and fit to an asymmetric top rotational Hamiltonian to yield rotational/centrifugal constants and vibrational band origins. In addition, the slit expansion collisionally quenches the transverse velocity distribution along the laser probe direction, yielding sub-Doppler resolution of spin-rotation structure and even partial resolution of nuclear hyperfine structure for each rovibrational line. Global least-squares fits to the line shapes provide additional information on spin-rotation and nuclear hyperfine constants, which complement and clarify previous FTIR studies [K. Kawaguchi, Can. J. Phys. 79, 449 (2001)] of CH(2)D in the out-of-plane bending region. Finally, analysis of the spectral data from the full isotopomeric CH(m)D(3-m) series based on harmonically coupled Morse oscillators establishes a predictive framework for describing the manifold of planar stretching vibrations in this fundamental combustion radical.
    The Journal of chemical physics 06/2012; 136(23):234308. · 3.09 Impact Factor
  • Article: Isotopic effects on the dynamics of the CH3(+) + H2 → CH5(+) → CH3(+) + H2 reaction.
    Charlotte E Hinkle, Anne B McCoy
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    ABSTRACT: Diffusion Monte Carlo is used to investigate the anharmonic zero-point energy corrected energies for the CH(3)(+) + H(2)→ CH(5)(+) → CH(3)(+) + H(2) process as a function of the center of mass separation of the two fragments. In addition to the title reaction, all possible deuterated and several tritiated (CH(4)T(+) and CH(3)T(2)(+)) analogues of this reaction are investigated. As anticipated, the replacement of one or more of the hydrogen atoms with deuterium or tritium atoms lowers the zero-point energy of the system. Further, in the partially deuterated or tritiated isotopologues, the lowest energy configuration generally has the heavy atoms in the CH(3)(+) fragment. Analysis of the wave functions allows us to study how zero-point energy influences the approach geometries sampled during low-energy collisions between CH(3)(+) and H(2), and to gain insights into how the dynamics is affected by the substitution of heavier isotopes for one or more of the hydrogen atoms. Differences between quantum and classical descriptions of the title reaction are also discussed.
    The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 04/2012; 116(19):4687-94. · 2.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Structural characterization of electron-induced proton transfer in the formic acid dimer anion, (HCOOH)2-, with vibrational and photoelectron spectroscopies.
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    ABSTRACT: The (HCOOH)(2) anion, formed by electron attachment to the formic acid dimer (FA(2)), is an archetypal system for exploring the mechanics of the electron-induced proton transfer motif that is purported to occur when neutral nucleic acid base-pairs accommodate an excess electron [K. Aflatooni, G. A. Gallup, and P. D. Burrow, J. Phys. Chem. A 102, 6205 (1998); J. H. Hendricks, S. A. Lyapustina, H. L. de Clercq, J. T. Snodgrass, and K. H. Bowen, J. Chem Phys. 104, 7788 (1996); C. Desfrancois, H. Abdoul-Carime, and J. P. Schermann, ibid. 104, 7792 (1996)]. The FA(2) anion and several of its H∕D isotopologues were isolated in the gas phase and characterized using Ar-tagged vibrational predissociation and electron autodetachment spectroscopies. The photoelectron spectrum of the FA(2) anion was also recorded using velocity-map imaging. The resulting spectroscopic information verifies the equilibrium FA(2)(-) geometry predicted by theory which features a symmetrical, double H-bonded bridge effectively linking together constituents that most closely resemble the formate ion and a dihydroxymethyl radical. The spectroscopic signatures of this ion were analyzed with the aid of calculated anharmonic vibrational band patterns.
    The Journal of chemical physics 04/2012; 136(13):134318. · 3.09 Impact Factor
  • Article: Vibrational manifestations of strong non-Condon effects in the H3O(+)·X3 (X = Ar, N2, CH4, H2O) complexes: a possible explanation for the intensity in the "association band" in the vibrational spectrum of water.
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    ABSTRACT: The harmonic approximation provides a powerful approach for interpreting vibrational spectra. In this treatment, the energy and intensity of the 3N- 6 normal modes are calculated using a quadratic expansion of the potential energy and a linear expansion of the dipole moment surfaces, respectively. In reality, transitions are often observed that are not accounted for by this approach (e.g. combination bands, overtones, etc.), and these transitions arise from inherent anharmonicities present in the system. One interesting example occurs in the vibrational spectrum of H(2)O((l)), where a band is observed near 2000 cm(-1) that is commonly referred to as the "association band". This band lies far from the expected bend and stretching modes of the water molecule, and is not recovered at the harmonic level. In a recent study, we identified a band in this spectral region in gas-phase clusters involving atomic and molecular adducts to the H(3)O(+) ion. In the current study we probe the origins of this band through a systematic analysis of the argon-predissociation spectra of H(3)O(+)·X(3) where X = Ar, CH(4), N(2) or H(2)O, with particular attention to the contributions from the non-linearities in the dipole surfaces, often referred to as non-Condon effects. The spectra of the H(3)O(+) clusters all display strong transitions between 1900-2100 cm(-1), and theoretical modeling indicates that they can be assigned to a combination band involving the HOH bend and frustrated rotation of H(3)O(+) in the solvent cage. This transition derives its oscillator strength entirely from strong non-Condon effects, and we discuss its possible relationship to the association band in the spectrum of liquid water.
    Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 02/2012; 14(20):7205-14. · 3.57 Impact Factor
  • Article: Unraveling rotation-vibration mixing in highly fluxional molecules using diffusion Monte Carlo: applications to H3+ and H3O+.
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    ABSTRACT: A thorough examination of the use of fixed-node diffusion Monte Carlo for the study of rotation-vibration mixing in systems that undergo large amplitude vibrational motions is reported. Using H(3)(+) as a model system, the overall accuracy of the method is tested by comparing the results of these calculations with those from converged variational calculations. The effects of the presence of a large amplitude inversion mode on rotation-vibration mixing are considered by comparing the H(3)(+) results with those for H(3)O(+). Finally, analysis of the results of the fixed-node diffusion Monte Carlo calculations performed in different nodal regions is found to provide clear indications of when some of the methodology's underlying assumptions are breaking down as well as provide physical insights into the form of the rotation-vibration coupling that is most likely responsible.
    The Journal of chemical physics 02/2012; 136(7):074101. · 3.09 Impact Factor
  • Article: Determination of noncovalent docking by infrared spectroscopy of cold gas-phase complexes.
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    ABSTRACT: Multidentate, noncovalent interactions between small molecules and biopolymer fragments are central to processes ranging from drug action to selective catalysis. We present a versatile and sensitive spectroscopic probe of functional groups engaged in hydrogen bonding in such contexts. This involves measurement of the frequency changes in specific covalent bonds upon complex formation, information drawn from otherwise transient complexes that have been extracted from solution and conformationally frozen near 10 kelvin in gas-phase clusters. Resonances closely associated with individual oscillators are easily identified through site-specific isotopic labeling, as demonstrated by application of the method to an archetypal system involving a synthetic tripeptide known to bind biaryl substrates through tailored hydrogen bonding to catalyze their asymmetric bromination. With such data, calculations readily converge on the plausible operative structures in otherwise computationally prohibitive, high-dimensionality landscapes.
    Science 02/2012; 335(6069):694-8. · 31.20 Impact Factor
  • Article: Dynamic mapping of CN rotation following photoexcitation of ICN-.
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    ABSTRACT: In a spin: the dynamics of photoexcited ICN(-) (Ar)(0-5) are presented. Photodetachment produces quasi-thermal electron emission that leaves ICN with up to 2.85 eV of internal energy. Photodissociation at 2.5 eV leads to one-atom caging and highly solvated anion products. Calculations indicate efficient energy transfer into CN rotation upon excitation to the (2)Π(1/2) excited state. CN rotation is vital to explain the unique dynamics observed.
    Angewandte Chemie International Edition 02/2012; 51(11):2651-3. · 13.45 Impact Factor
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    Article: New view of the ICN A continuum using photoelectron spectroscopy of ICN-.
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    ABSTRACT: Negative-ion photoelectron spectroscopy of ICN(-) (X̃ (2)Σ(+)) reveals transitions to the ground electronic state (X̃ (1)Σ(+)) of ICN as well as the first five excited states ((3)Π(2), (3)Π(1), Π(0(-) ) (3), Π(0(+) ) (3), and (1)Π(1)) that make up the ICN A continuum. By starting from the equilibrium geometry of the anion, photoelectron spectroscopy characterizes the electronic structure of ICN at an elongated I-C bond length of 2.65 Å. Because of this bond elongation, the lowest three excited states of ICN ((3)Π(2), (3)Π(1), and Π(0(-) ) (3)) are resolved for the first time in the photoelectron spectrum. In addition, the spectrum has a structured peak that arises from the frequently studied conical intersection between the Π(0(+) ) (3) and (1)Π(1) states. The assignment of the spectrum is aided by MR-SO-CISD calculations of the potential energy surfaces for the anion and neutral ICN electronic states, along with calculations of the vibrational levels supported by these states. Through thermochemical cycles involving spectrally narrow transitions to the excited states of ICN, we determine the electron affinity, EA(ICN), to be 1.34(5) (+0.04∕-0.02) eV and the anion dissociation energy, D(0)(X̃ (2)Σ(+) I-CN(-)), to be 0.83 (+0.04/-0.02) eV.
    The Journal of chemical physics 01/2012; 136(4):044313. · 3.09 Impact Factor
  • Article: Photoelectron spectroscopy of HC4N-.
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    ABSTRACT: We report the 364-nm photoelectron spectrum of HC(4)N(-). We observe electron photodetachment from the bent X(2)A" state of HC(4)N(-) to both the near-linear X(3)A" and the bent ã (1)A' states of neutral HC(4)N. We observe an extended, unresolved vibrational progression corresponding to X(3)A" ← X(2)A" photodetachment, and we measure the electron affinity (EA) of the X(3)A" state of HC(4)N to be 2.05(8) eV. Photodetachment to the bent ã (1)A' state results in a single intense origin peak at a binding energy of 2.809(4) eV, from which we determine the singlet-triplet splitting (ΔE(ST)) of HC(4)N: 0.76(8) eV. For comparison and to aid in the interpretation of the HC(4)N(-) spectrum, we also report the 364-nm photoelectron spectra of HCCN(-) and DCCN(-). Improved signal-to-noise over the previous HCCN(-) and DCCN(-) photoelectron spectra allows for a more precise determination of the EAs and ΔE(ST)s of HCCN and DCCN. The EAs of HCCN and DCCN are measured to be 2.001(15) eV and 1.998(15) eV, respectively; ΔE(ST)(HCCN) is 0.510(15) eV and ΔE(ST)(DCCN) is 0.508(15) eV. These results are discussed in the context of other organic carbene chains.
    The Journal of chemical physics 11/2011; 135(20):204307. · 3.09 Impact Factor
  • Article: Correction to "diffusion monte carlo approaches for evaluating rotationally excited States of symmetric top molecules: application to h(3)o(+) and d(3)o(+)".
    Andrew S Petit, Anne B McCoy
    The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 08/2011; 115(33):9325-7. · 2.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Probing the dependence of long-range, four-atom interactions on intermolecular orientation: 3. Hydrogen and iodine.
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    ABSTRACT: Two-laser, action spectroscopy experiments have been performed in the I(2)B-X, υ'-0 spectral region on H(2)···I(2) and D(2)···I(2) complexes to investigate the dependence of the H(2)/D(2) + I(2) intermolecular interactions on orientation. The spectra contain features associated with at least two different conformers of the ground-state H(2)/D(2)···I(2)(X,υ'' = 0) complexes; one conformer has a preferred T-shaped geometry with the H(2)/D(2) moiety localized in a potential minimum that is orthogonal to the I-I bond axis, and the second conformer has a linear geometry with the H(2)/D(2) moiety positioned in minima at either end of the I(2) molecule, along the bond axis. Those features associated with complexes containing para-H(2)(j = 0), ortho-H(2)(j = 1), ortho-D(2)(j = 0), and para-D(2)(j = 1) are also assigned. The linear conformers are found to be more strongly bound than the T-shaped conformers with binding energies of 118.9(1.9) cm(-1) versus 91.3-93.3 cm(-1) for the ortho-H(2)···I(2) complexes and 144.2(2.1) cm(-1) versus 107.9 cm(-1) for the para-D(2)···I(2) complexes, respectively. Electronic structure calculations of the complexes containing ICl and I(2) with H(2), He, Ne, and Ar were performed to reveal the nature of the interactions and to shed insight into the origins of the different binding energies. The most stable minima in the H(2)/D(2) + I(2)(B,υ') excited-state potentials have T-shaped geometries. Calculated energies and probability amplitudes of the excited-state levels provide insight into the different excited-state intermolecular vibrational levels accessed by transitions of the two ground-state conformers.
    The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 06/2011; 115(25):7368-77. · 2.95 Impact Factor
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    Article: Photoelectron spectra of dihalomethyl anions: testing the limits of normal mode analysis.
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    ABSTRACT: We report the 364-nm negative ion photoelectron spectra of CHX(2)(-) and CDX(2)(-), where X = Cl, Br, and I. The pyramidal dihalomethyl anions undergo a large geometry change upon electron photodetachment to become nearly planar, resulting in multiple extended vibrational progressions in the photoelectron spectra. The normal mode analysis that successfully models photoelectron spectra when geometry changes are modest is unable to reproduce qualitatively the experimental data using physically reasonable parameters. Specifically, the harmonic normal mode analysis using Cartesian displacement coordinates results in much more C-H stretch excitation than is observed, leading to a simulated photoelectron spectrum that is much broader than that which is seen experimentally. A (2 + 1)-dimensional anharmonic coupled-mode analysis much better reproduces the observed vibrational structure. We obtain an estimate of the adiabatic electron affinity of each dihalomethyl radical studied. The electron affinity of CHCl(2) and CDCl(2) is 1.3(2) eV, of CHBr(2) and CDBr(2) is 1.9(2) eV, and of CHI(2) and CDI(2) is 1.9(2) eV. Analysis of the experimental spectra illustrates the limits of the conventional normal mode approach and shows the type of analysis required for substantial geometry changes when multiple modes are active upon photodetachment.
    The Journal of chemical physics 05/2011; 134(18):184306. · 3.09 Impact Factor
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    Article: Solvent-mediated charge redistribution in photodissociation of IBr(-) and IBr(-)(CO2).
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    ABSTRACT: A combined experimental and theoretical investigation of photodissociation dynamics of IBr(-) and IBr(-)(CO(2)) on the B ((2)Σ(1/2)(+)) excited electronic state is presented. Time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that in bare IBr(-) prompt dissociation forms exclusively I∗ + Br(-). Compared to earlier dissociation studies of IBr(-) excited to the A' ((2)Π(1∕2)) state, the signal rise is delayed by 200 ± 20 fs. In the case of IBr(-)(CO(2)), the product distribution shows the existence of a second major (∼40%) dissociation pathway, Br∗ + I(-). In contrast to the primary product channel, the signal rise associated with this pathway shows only a 50 ± 20 fs delay. The altered product branching ratio indicates that the presence of one solvent-like CO(2) molecule dramatically affects the electronic structure of the dissociating IBr(-). We explore the origins of this phenomenon with classical trajectories, quantum wave packet studies, and MR-SO-CISD calculations of the six lowest-energy electronic states of IBr(-) and 36 lowest-energy states of IBr. We find that the CO(2) molecule provides sufficient solvation energy to bring the initially excited state close in energy to a lower-lying state. The splitting between these states and the time at which the crossing takes place depend on the location of the solvating CO(2) molecule.
    The Journal of chemical physics 05/2011; 134(18):184311. · 3.09 Impact Factor
  • Article: Unraveling anharmonic effects in the vibrational predissociation spectra of H5O2(+) and its deuterated analogues.
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    ABSTRACT: The nature of anharmonic couplings in the H(5)O(2)(+) "Zundel" ion and its deuterated isotopologues is investigated through comparison of their measured and calculated vibrational spectra. This follows a recent study in which we reported spectra for H(5)O(2)(+), D(5)O(2)(+), and D(4)HO(2)(+) from ∼600 to 4000 cm(-1), as well as H(4)DO(2)(+) in the OH and OD stretching regions [ J. Phys. Chem. B 2008 , 112 , 321 ]. While the assignments of the higher-energy transitions associated with the fundamentals of the exterior OH and OD motions are relatively straightforward, difficulties arise in the assignment of the lower-frequency regions that involve displacement of the bridging proton, especially for the isotopically mixed species. Here we revisit the Ar-tagged isotopomers, and report the low energy action spectrum of H(4)DO(2)(+) for the first time, as well as present significantly improved spectra for the D(4)HO(2)(+) and D(5)O(2)(+) systems. Band assignments are clarified in several cases using IR-IR hole-burning. We then investigate the physical origin of the anharmonic effects encoded in these spectra using a recently developed technique in which the anharmonic frequencies and intensities of transitions (involving up to two quanta of excitation) are evaluated using the ground state probability amplitudes [ J. Phys. Chem. A 2009 , 113 , 7346 ] obtained from diffusion Monte Carlo simulations. This approach has the advantage that it is applicable to low-symmetry systems [such as (HDO)H(+)(OH(2))] that are not readily addressed using highly accurate methods such as the multiconfigurational time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) approach. Moreover, it naturally accommodates an intuitive evaluation of the types of motion that contribute oscillator strength in the various regions of the spectrum, even when the wave function is intrinsically not separable as a product of low-dimensional approximate solutions. Spectra for H(5)O(2)(+), D(5)O(2)(+), H(4)DO(2)(+), and D(4)HO(2)(+) that are calculated by this approach are shown to be in excellent agreement with the measured spectra for these species, leading to reassignments of two of the bands in the intramolecular bending region of D(4)HO(2)(+).
    The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 01/2011; 115(23):5847-58. · 2.95 Impact Factor
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    Article: Theoretical investigations of the time-resolved photodissociation dynamics of IBr(-).
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    ABSTRACT: The role of laser pulse width as well as other quantum mechanical effects in the interpretation of the observed time-resolved photoelectron spectra (TRPES) of IBr(-) are investigated using conditions that are chosen to reproduce those used for the experimental study of Mabbs et al. [ J. Chem. Phys. 2005 , 122 , 174305 ]. In that study, it was shown that one could correlate shifts in the frequency of the maximum in signal as a function of time to differences between the potential energies of the electronic states that are accessed by the pump and probe lasers. While this classical picture is attractive, it is based on a single trajectory with an initial I-Br separation that is ∼0.3 Å longer than the equilibrium value. In addition, it does not include the role of the pulse widths and other possible quantum effects. In the present work, the six lowest energy electronic states of IBr(-) were calculated at the MR-SO-CISD/aug-cc-pVDZ level of theory/basis set as a function of the I-Br distance. The TRPES of IBr(-) were calculated in three pulse regimes: an infinitesimally short pulse, an intermediate pulse that has a temporal full width at half-maximum (fwhm) of 300 fs, which was chosen to match the experimental value, and one that is 3 times longer than the experimental value. The resulting spectra are qualitatively different, and the sources of these differences are discussed. The intermediate pulse provides very good agreement with experiment with the introduction of no adjustable parameters. The origins of the features of the experimental signal are discussed in terms of this fully quantum mechanical picture.
    The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 10/2010; 114(42):11337-46. · 2.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Rate of gas phase association of hydroxyl radical and nitrogen dioxide.
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    ABSTRACT: The reaction of OH and NO(2) to form gaseous nitric acid (HONO(2)) is among the most influential in atmospheric chemistry. Despite its importance, the rate coefficient remains poorly determined under tropospheric conditions because of difficulties in making laboratory rate measurements in air at 760 torr and uncertainties about a secondary channel producing peroxynitrous acid (HOONO). We combined two sensitive laser spectroscopy techniques to measure the overall rate of both channels and the partitioning between them at 25°C and 760 torr. The result is a significantly more precise value of the rate constant for the HONO(2) formation channel, 9.2 (±0.4) × 10(-12) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) (1 SD) at 760 torr of air, which lies toward the lower end of the previously established range. We demonstrate the impact of the revised value on photochemical model predictions of ozone concentrations in the Los Angeles airshed.
    Science 10/2010; 330(6004):646-9. · 31.20 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2004–2013
    • The Ohio State University
      • Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
      Columbus, OH, USA
  • 2006–2012
    • Yale University
      • Department of Chemistry
      New Haven, CT, USA
  • 2004–2012
    • University of Colorado at Boulder
      • Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
      Boulder, CO, USA
  • 2005–2011
    • Washington University in St. Louis
      • Department of Chemistry
      Saint Louis, MO, USA
  • 2006–2009
    • University of Pennsylvania
      • Department of Chemistry
      Philadelphia, PA, USA
  • 2004–2006
    • Emory University
      • • Cherry L. Emerson Center for Scientific Computation
      • • Department of Chemistry
      Atlanta, GA, USA