In this project in the Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Professor Wight of the University of Utah will measure the rates of solid-state chain reactions in low temperature matrices in real time using FTIR spectroscopy. Chlorine atom-hydrocarbon chain reactions involving ethylene or methylcyclopropane will be initiated by laser photolysis and monitored as a function of temperature and relative concentration of reagents. These reactions are initiated by ultraviolet laser photolysis of thin solid films formed by vapor deposition of the reagents at cryogenic temperatures (10-100 K). %%% Kinetic studies of chain reactions in condensed, disordered environments are in their infancy. The experiments conducted in this program will lead to a deeper understanding of reactive processes of free radicals in environments that severely restrict rotational and translational diffusion and will impact a wide variety of technologies, including synthesis of polymers and advanced composite materials.
