State-specific reactions of Cu(+)((1)S,(3)D,(1)D) with the super greenhouse gas SF5CF3

State-specific reactions of the potent greenhouse gas SF5CF3 with Cu(+) were carried out in a selected ion drift cell apparatus. Copper ions were prepared in a glow discharge utilizing Ne as the working gas. Analysis of these ions using ion mobility mass spectrometry (IMS) indicated the presence of both Cu(+)(3d(10)) and Cu(+)(3d(9)4s(1)) configurations. Subsequent analysis indicates that the 3d(10) configuration consists of Cu(+)((1)S) exclusively whereas the 3d(9)4s(1)configuration is composed primarily of Cu(+)((3)D) with small contributions from Cu(+)((1)D). State-specific product formation in reactions of these ions with SF5CF3 was determined using IMS along with the known energetic requirements for product formation. These experiments reveal that Cu(+) excited states initiate fragmentation of SF5CF3 to yield SF2(+), SF3(+), SF5(+), and CF3(+), where SF3(+) represents the largest branching fraction at 90% of the total bimolecular product formation. The energetics associated with the formation of these ions suggest that molecular Cu-containing products must also be formed in all cases, indicating that the governing reaction mechanisms are more complicated than simple dissociative charge transfer. Production of SF2(+) and SF3(+) are shown to proceed via Cu(+)((3)D) and can be rationalized with a two-step mechanism proceeding through the common intermediate SF3CF3(+). Production of CF3(+) can be explained using this same mechanism but is also energetically possible from Cu(+)((1)D) in a more direct process. Energetic requirements indicate that Cu(+)((1)D) is the sole source of SF5(+) with concomitant formation of CuCF3. Cu(+)((1)S) exhibits adduct formation exclusively, but IMS spectra of the resulting Cu(+)·SF5CF3 suggest that as many as three association structures are formed.