Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Measurement of Ultrafast Vibrational Coherences in Polyatomic Radical Cations with Strong-Field Adiabatic Ionization
Published on: August 6, 2018
Adiabatic ionization potential of acetic acid and torsional dynamics of its cation
Philipp Zielke1, Piotr W Forysinski, David Luckhaus
1Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, Canada.
Abstract:
Pulsed-field-ionization zero-kinetic-energy photoelectron spectroscopy and supersonic cooling are used to investigate the CH(3) torsional dynamics of the acetic acid cation and to determine an accurate value for the first adiabatic ionization potential of acetic acid (IP=85 912+/-5 cm(-1)), which has been the subject of debates for more than 40 yr. A doubling of the torsional barrier upon ionization is due to a significant shortening of the C-C bond and reduces the tunneling efficiency by an order of magnitude.
More Related Videos
08:54Vibrational Spectra of a N719-Chromophore/Titania Interface from Empirical-Potential Molecular-Dynamics Simulation, Solvated by a Room Temperature Ionic Liquid
Published on: January 25, 2020
08:15Temperature-programmed Deoxygenation of Acetic Acid on Molybdenum Carbide Catalysts
Published on: February 7, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Titration of a Weak Acid with a Strong Base
Solution Composition During Acid/Base Titrations
The α0 and α1 values represent the...
Molecular Structure and Acidity
The size effect explains the change in atomic size on acidity. When comparing the acids formed from elements that belong to the same column in the periodic table, their atomic sizes...
Acidity of 1-Alkynes
The acidic strength of hydrocarbons follows the order: Alkynes > Alkenes > Alkanes. The strength of an acid is commonly expressed in units of pKa — the lower the pKa, the stronger the acid. Among the hydrocarbons, terminal alkynes have lower pKa values and are, therefore, more acidic. For example, the pKa values for ethane, ethene, and acetylene are 51, 44, and 25, respectively, as shown here.
Polyprotic Acids
Weak Acid Solutions