Matrix isolation study of the thermal and photochemical reaction of ozone with Trimethyl Indium

Abstract

The matrix isolation technique has been combined with infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculations to explore the reaction of (CH 3) 3In with O 3 over a range of time scales. Upon twin jet deposition (short reaction time), formation of the novel H 3COIn(CH 3) 2 species along with a low yield of CH 2O was observed. Subsequent UV irradiation greatly increased the yield of H 3COIn(CH 3) 2 while the intensities of the CH 2O bands were not affected. An extensive set of bands were seen for H 3COIn(CH 3) 2 after irradiation and 18O spectroscopic data was obtained as well. The identification of this species was supported by theoretical calculations at the B3LYP/lanl2dz and B3LYP/dgdzvp levels of theory. Merged jet deposition (longer reaction times) led to high yield of H 2CO, CH 3OH and C 2H 6, identifications that were confirmed by 18O substitution. Mechanistic inferences for the initial steps of this reaction are discussed.