In this project in the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Continetti will study the dissociation dynamics of small gas-phase radicals using a negative ion photodetachment apparatus. Continetti will combine negative-ion photodetachment with neutral-fragment translational energy spectroscopy. Systems of interest include HO2, CH3O2, C2O, and CH2CHO. The results will provide insights into the nature of dissociative states, decomposition pathways, and bond dissociation energies of these species. %%% This research project will examine the molecular structure and electronic composition of a number of unstable and transient molecules which are difficult to study by other techniques. Possible applications of information obtained from this research include combustion chemistry, atmospheric reactions, chemical vapor deposition, and supercritical water reactors.
