In this Experimental Physical Chemistry Project, funded by the Chemistry Division, Prof. Marshall (Amherst College) will use infrared spectroscopy to determine the structure of hydrogen bonded ammonia complexes prepared in a pulsed supersonic jet. The ultimate goal of these studies is a complete characterization of the potential energy surface for binding with partners that mimic hydrogen bonding in biological systems. The function of the jet is to provide simple dimers, suitable for obtaining rotationally resolved vibrational spectra. %%% Hydrogen bonding pervades chemistry, and is responsible for such diverse phenomena as the special role of water as a solvent and the stability, structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids. Yet, the fundamental potential energy associated with hydrogen bonding is not fully understood. Prof. Marshall (Amherst College) will add to our understanding of hydrogen bonding by using lasers to probe the structure of simple hydrogen bonded complexes in the gas phase.
