Proton transfer in strongly hydrogen-bonded molecular complexes: matrix effects

Abstract

There has recently been a resurgence of interest in matrix effects on the degree of proton transfer in strongly hydrogen-bonded acid–base molecular complexes, marked by the publication of new experimental (matrix isolation) results for the prototypical ammonia–hydrogen chloride complex and also for ammonia–hydrogen bromide and ammonia–hydrogen iodide, and a considerable number of theoretical studies of environmental effects on amine–hydrogen halide and other strongly hydrogen-bonded complexes. The previously published comparison of gas phase and matrix isolation data for amine–hydrogen halide complexes is re-examined in the light of the new experimental data and theoretical interpretations to provide a detailed analysis of matrix effects on the extent of proton transfer in this important series of complexes.