Reactions of Cu+(1S, 3D) with CH3Cl, CH2ClF, CHClF2, and CClF3

The reactions of gas-phase Cu+(1S) and Cu+(3D) with CH3Cl, CH2ClF, CHClF2, and CClF3 are examined using the drift cell technique at 3.5 Torr. State-specific product channels and overall bimolecular rate constants for depletion of the two Cu+ states are determined using electronic state chromatography. Cu+(1S) participates exclusively in association with all four neutrals, whereas Cl abstraction is the dominant product channel for Cu+(3D). The resulting CuCl+ product subsequently abstracts Cl- in a secondary process. Tertiary reactions are also observed, which include both hydride abstraction (with CH3Cl) and fluoride abstraction (with the fluorinated neutrals). All product channels can be understood in terms of the known thermochemical and quantum mechanical (i.e., spin) requirements. Cu+(1S) is depleted by all four neutrals at 30% to 40% of the ADO rate under these conditions, whereas Cu+(3D) is observed to react at approximately 80% of the ADO rate with CH3Cl, CH2ClF, and CHClF2. Reaction of excited state Cu+ with CClF3 occurs at only 7% of the ADO rate. The behavior of Cu+(3D) is consistent with a mechanism in which formation of CuCl+ occurs exclusively on the triplet surface via a mechanism in which the metal ion must interact exclusively with Cl.