In this project, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division and the Atmospheric Chemistry Program of the Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Professor Vaida of the University of Colorado at Boulder will conduct a research program on hydrated complexes by means of a variety of physical chemistry techniques. The target species to be investigated include the water-ammonia, water-sulfuric acid, water-nitric acid, and water-carbon dioxide complexes. These, and others, play a role in the chemistry of the earth's atmosphere and its climate. The project consists of four specific tasks: 1) to determine high-resolution infrared, visible, and ultraviolet absorption spectra for the target species; 2) to study their photochemistry and photochemical product formation; 3) to determine temperature-dependent equilibrium constants; and 4) to study these species by high-resolution electronic and overtone spectroscopy. Graduate and undergraduate students will participate in this research, as will a significant number of collaborators from other countries.
