Journal of Chemical Physics, Vol.117, No.1, 153-160, 2002
Photodissociation dynamics of cyclopropane at 157 nm
Photodissociation dynamics of cyclopropane at 157 nm has been investigated using a new molecular beam apparatus based on vacuum ultraviolet ionization by synchrotron radiation. Four distinct dissociation pathways have been observed. The observed channels are the H formation process, the H-2 formation process, the CH2+C2H4 formation process, and the CH3+C2H3 formation process. Experimental results indicate that the H atom products are possibly produced via a synchronous, concerted 2H elimination process, while other channels are all binary dissociation processes. Product kinetic energy distribution of each dissociation channel has been determined from simulating the experimental time of flight spectra. Relative branching ratios for all observed dissociation channels were also estimated based on all detected products.