Low temperature gas phase and matrix studies of the C6H3F3+ and C6H3Cl3+ radical cations

Abstract

Laser induced fluorescence excitation spectra of the radical cations C6H3F3+ and C6H3Cl3+ have been observed in the gas phase, but cooled to near liquid N2 temperature. This technique leads to greatly improved S/N and resolution compared to ambient temperature spectra. We have also observed electronic absorption spectra of these ions in a solid Ne matrix at ∼5°K. This spectrum, as well as the resolved emission spectrum, can be used to obtain accurate transition probabilities for various bands. The information obtained from both the low temperature gas phase and matrix experiments plays a critical role in determining the effects of Jahn–Teller distortion in the ground states of these ions.