In this project in the Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Prof. H.S. Gutowsky of the Chemistry Department of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will engage in a series of continuing investigations on the structure and dynamics of weakly bound, van der Waals and hydrogen bonded, molecular complexes. The technique employs a gas mixture cooled to near zero kelvins by a supersonic expansion into a high vacuum and studied by pulsed Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. Specifically, complexes containing benzene dimers, complexes formed by rare gas atoms with hydrogen cyanide, and those formed by argon with water will be investigated. In addition, ongoing work on alkali halide dimer complexes will be continued. Weakly bound clusters are an intermediate form of matter that form when gaseous molecules condense to form liquids or solids. The structure and dynamics of such clusters is of interest for obtaing an understanding of intermolecular forces on a molecular level, for understanding of protein folding, the orientation and mobility of molecules on catalytic surfaces, and other phenomena. The research conducted by the PI provides critical data and models for the bonding of molecules by weak intermolecular forces.
