Abstract
Recent experiments at temperatures down to 13 K have revealed that the rate constants for many reactions between electrically neutral species involving free radicals increase as the temperature falls, attaining their maximum value below 50 K. This behaviour demonstrates that there is no potential energy barrier to these reactions, rather it is “capture” of the reagents by the attractive potential acting between them which determines whether reaction occurs. Examples of different categories of reaction, in which radicals react with other radicals, with unsaturated molecules, and with saturated molecules, are discussed, and parallels are drawn with the dynamics of ion/molecule reactions. The realisation that many neutral/neutral reactions are rapid at such low temperatures is likely to have a profound effect on chemical models of dense interstellar clouds and some of these implications are briefly discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Mass Spectrometry and Ion Processes
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
