In this project in the Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Professor T. C. Steimle of Arizona State University will investigate (a) early transition metal containing transient species associated with laser-induced plasma dehydrogenation reactions that produce metallo-carbonhedrenes and microclusters of titanium nitride, and (b) late second row (rhodium, palladium and silver) and third row (iridium, platinum and gold) transition metal dihydrides, carbenes, amides, imides, and metal-methyl, metal-ammonia and metal-water insertion products. The species will be prepared by a combined laser ablation and supersonic expansion technique, and will be probed by methods of high resolution spectroscopy. Among these are the laser induced fluorescence in the presence of a variable d.c. electric field and pump-probe microwave -optical double resonance techniques. The research will provide data for the fundamental understanding of the reaction chemistry of metals with organic and inorganic molecules. This research has high relevance for the development of sophisticated technologies, such as wear resistant coatings, and for developments in catalysis.
