In this project in the Physical Chemistry program of the Chemistry Division, Prof. Curt Wittig of the University of Southern California will investigate fundamental chemical reaction processes. In particular, resonances that decay via competing decomposition pathways will be examined using the nitrate radical as a prototype system. Additionally, double resonance techniques will be used for the first time in such investigations involving weakly bound complexes. This will allow the unequivocal identification of the complexes in which the reactions are photoinitiated. Complexes such as carbonyl sulfide-hydrogen bromide and water-carbon monoxide will be considered as prototype systems. The goal of these investigations is a better understanding of chemical reactions on a molecular level. The results of this work will be quantitative, mechanistic data which will serve as benchmarks against which theoretical models of reaction chemistry can be tested.
