Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Analysis of Complex Molecules and Their Reactions on Surfaces by Means of Cluster-Induced Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 1, 2020
Detection of neutral and ionic reaction mechanisms in molecular clusters
Abstract:
Techniques based on picosecond resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization and mass-selective ion photodissociation are described as a means for studying complex reaction mechanisms in molecular clusters. A set of experiments is described that can identify the cluster-size specific reactions that occur by the overlapping processes of neutral dissociation/fragment ionization, parent ionization/dissociation, and parent ion photoexcitation/dissociation. These molecular beam techniques are demonstrated for the case of neutral and ionic photon transfer and evaporation in clusters of phenol in (NH(3))(n), as well for radical chemistry and van der Waals dissociation in (CH(3)I) (n) clusters.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Reaction Mechanisms
For instance, the decomposition of ozone appears to follow a mechanism with two steps:
SN1 Reaction: Mechanism
Firstly, the haloalkane ionizes to generate a carbocation intermediate and a halide ion. This heterolytic cleavage is highly endothermic with large activation energy. The ionization of the substrate, facilitated by a polar...
Gas Chromatography: Types of Detectors-II
Chemical Reactions in Aqueous Solutions
Formation of Complex Ions
SN2 Reaction: Mechanism
The presence of the more electronegative halogen in the substrate creates a polarized carbon-halide bond. The halide pulls the electron cloud generating an electrophilic center at the carbon atom. Thus, the carbon atom carries a partial positive charge while the halide has a...

