Covariance-map imaging study into the fragmentation dynamics of multiply charged CF3I formed in electron-molecule collisions

Abstract

We have previously presented a comprehensive velocity-map imaging study into the dissociative electron-ionisation dynamics of CFI at energies ranging from 20 to 100 eV, focusing on dissociation channels of singly charged parent ions. Here we extend this work to include channels arising from doubly and triply charged CFI ions formed in collisions with 40–100 eV electrons. Both the dication and trication can dissociate either via two-body Coulomb explosion to form CF + I/I, or via a variety of many-body dissociation channels involving the loss of one or more neutral fluorine atoms. Covariance mapping of the charged fragments allows us to distinguish between the various possible dissociation mechanisms that could account for these products.