Zero Kinetic Energy Photoelectron Spectroscopy Research Articles

Elucidating the photoprotective properties of natural UV screening agents: ZEKE-PFI spectroscopy of methyl sinapate.

As a prominent derivative of a natural sunscreen, methyl sinapate is an ideal candidate to provide fundamental insight into strategies on how to come to a rational design of artificial sunscreen filters with improved photoprotective properties. Here, static and time-resolved Zero Kinetic Energy-Pulsed Field Ionization (ZEKE-PFI) photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to study the spectroscopy and decay pathways of its electronically excited states. We find that different conformers are subject to distinct structural changes upon electronic excitation, and trace the structural changes that occur upon excitation back to the character of the LUMO. Ionization efficiency spectra in combination with pump-probe ZEKE-PFI spectra are consistent with the conclusion that the long-lived electronically excited state observed in the decay of the lowest excited singlet state is the lowest excited triplet state. Concurrently with providing information on the electronically excited states, the studies allow for a detailed characterization of the spectroscopic properties of the ground state of the radical ion, which is important in the context of the use of cinnamates in nature as antioxidants. Our studies determine the adiabatic ionization energies of the syn/cis, anti/cis and anti/trans conformers as 60 291.1 ± 0.5, 60 366.9 ± 0.5 and 60 503.9 ± 1.0 cm-1, respectively, and provide accurate vibrational fequencies of low-frequency modes of the molecular ion in its electronic ground state. Finally, the studies emphasize the important role of vibrational and electronic autoionization processes that start to dominate the ionization dynamics in non-rigid molecules of the present size.

The Renner-Teller effect in HCCCN(+)(X̃(2)Π) studied by zero-kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.

The spin-vibronic energy levels of the cyanoacetylene cation have been measured using the one-photon zero-kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopic method. All three degenerate vibrational modes showing vibronic coupling, i.e., Renner-Teller (RT) effect, have been observed. All the splitting spin-vibronic energy levels of the fundamental H-C≡C bending vibration (v5) have been determined. The spin-vibronic energy levels of the degenerate vibrational modes have also been calculated using a diabatic model in which the harmonic terms as well as all the second-order vibronic coupling terms are used. The theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the experimental data and are used to assign the ZEKE spectrum. It is found that the RT effects for the H-(CC)-CN bending (v7) and the C-C≡N bending (v6) vibrations are weak, whereas they are strong for the H-C≡C bending (v5) vibration. The cross-mode RT couplings between any of the two degenerate vibrations are strong. The spin-orbit resolved fundamental vibrational energy levels of the C≡N stretching (v2) and C-H stretching (v1) vibrations have also been observed. The spin-orbit energy splitting of the ground state has been determined for the first time as 43 ± 2 cm(-1), and the ionization energy of HCCCN is found to be 93 903.5 ± 2 cm(-1).

The Renner-Teller effect in HCCCl(+)(X̃(2)Π) studied by zero-kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations.

The spin-vibronic energy levels of the chloroacetylene cation up to 4000 cm(-1) above the ground state have been measured using the one-photon zero-kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopic method. The spin-vibronic energy levels have also been calculated using a diabatic model, in which the potential energy surfaces are expressed by expansions of internal coordinates, and the Hamiltonian matrix equation is solved using a variational method with harmonic basis functions. The calculated spin-vibronic energy levels are in good agreement with the experimental data. The Renner-Teller (RT) parameters describing the vibronic coupling for the H-C≡C bending mode (ε4), Cl-C≡C bending mode (ε5), the cross-mode vibronic coupling (ε45) of the two bending vibrations, and their vibrational frequencies (ω4 and ω5) have also been determined using an effective Hamiltonian matrix treatment. In comparison with the spin-orbit interaction, the RT effect in the H-C≡C bending (ε4) mode is strong, while the RT effect in the Cl-C≡C bending mode is weak. There is a strong cross-mode vibronic coupling of the two bending vibrations, which may be due to a vibronic resonance between the two bending vibrations. The spin-orbit energy splitting of the ground state has been determined for the first time and is found to be 209 ± 2 cm(-1).

Torsional energy levels of CH3OH+/CH3OD+/CD3OD+ studied by zero-kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations

The torsional energy levels of CH3OH(+), CH3OD(+), and CD3OD(+) have been determined for the first time using one-photon zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy. The adiabatic ionization energies for CH3OH, CH3OD, and CD3OD are determined as 10.8396, 10.8455, and 10.8732 eV with uncertainties of 0.0005 eV, respectively. Theoretical calculations have also been performed to obtain the torsional energy levels for the three isotopologues using a one-dimensional model with approximate zero-point energy corrections of the torsional potential energy curves. The calculated values are in good agreement with the experimental data. The barrier height of the torsional potential energy without zero-point energy correction was calculated as 157 cm(-1), which is about half of that of the neutral (340 cm(-1)). The calculations showed that the cation has eclipsed conformation at the energy minimum and staggered one at the saddle point, which is the opposite of what is observed in the neutral molecule. The fundamental C-O stretch vibrational energy level for CD3OD(+) has also been determined. The energy levels for the combinational excitation of the torsional vibration and the fundamental C-O stretch vibration indicate a strong torsion-vibration coupling.

Zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy of tryptamine and the dissociation pathway of the singly hydrated cation cluster

The relative ionization energies of tryptamine conformations are determined by zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy and photoionization efficiency measurements. The relative cationic conformational stabilities are compared to the published results for the neutral molecule. In the cation, the interaction strength changes significantly between amino group and either the phenyl or the pyrrole moiety of the indole chromophore where most of the positive charge is located, leading to different conformational structures and relative conformer energies in the cation. In particular, the measured adiabatic ionization potential of isomer B is 60,928 ± 5 cm(-1), at least 400 cm(-1) higher than any of the 6 other tryptamine isomers which all have ionization potentials within 200 cm(-1) of each other. In addition to the monomer, measurements were made on the A conformer of the tryptamine(+)-H(2)O complex including the ionization threshold and cation dissociation energy measured using a threshold photoionization fragmentation method. The water cluster exhibits an unexpectedly high ionization potential of 60,307 ± 100 cm(-1), close to the conformer A monomer of 60 320 ± 100 cm(-1). It also exhibits surprisingly low dissociation energy of 1750 ± 150 cm(-1) compared to other H-bonding involved cation-H(2)O complexes which are typically several thousands of wavenumbers higher. Quantum chemical calculations indicate that upon ionization the structure of the parent molecule in the water complex remains mostly unchanged due to the rigid intermolecular double hydrogen bonded water molecule bridging the monomer backbone and its side chain thus leading to the high ionization potential in the water cluster. The surprisingly low dissociation energy measured in the cationic water complex is attributed to the formation of a much more stable structural isomer H(+) in the exit channel.

Resonantly Enhanced Multiphoton Ionization and Zero Kinetic Energy Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Chrysene: A Comparison with Tetracene

We report the electronic and vibrational spectroscopy of chrysene using resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) and zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy. As an isomer of tetracene, chrysene contains a kink in the middle of the four fused hexagonal rings, which complicates not just the symmetry but, more importantly, the molecular orbitals and hence vibronic transitions. Incidentally, the two nearby electronically excited states of chrysene have the same symmetry, and vibronic coupling introduces no out-of-plane vibrational modes. As a result, the REMPI spectrum of chrysene contains essentially only in-plane ring deformation modes, similar to that of tetracene. However, density functional calculations using gaussian even after the inclusion of vibronic coupling can only duplicate the observed REMPI spectrum in a qualitative sense, and the agreement is considerably worse than our recent work on a few pericondensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and on tetracene. The ZEKE spectrum of chrysene via the origin band of the intermediate electronic state S(1), however, can be qualitatively reproduced by a straightforward Franck-Condon calculation. The ZEKE spectra from vibrationally excited states of the S(1), on the other hand, demonstrate some degree of mode selectivity: the overall intensity of the ZEKE spectrum can vary by an order of magnitude depending on the vibrational mode of the intermediate state. A scaling factor in the theoretical vibrational frequency for the cation is also needed to compare with the experimental result, unlike tetracene and pentacene.

Zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy of jet cooled benzo[a]pyrene from resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization

We report zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) via resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI). Our analysis concentrates on the vibrational modes of the first excited state (S(1)) and those of the ground cationic state (D(0)). Similar to pyrene, another peri-condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon we have investigated, the first two electronically excited states of BaP exhibit extensive configuration interactions. However, the two electronic states are of the same symmetry, hence vibronic coupling does not introduce any out-of-plane modes in the REMPI spectrum, and Franck-Condon analysis is qualitatively satisfactory. The ZEKE spectra from the in-plane modes observed in the REMPI spectrum demonstrate strong propensity in preserving the vibrational excitation of the intermediate state. Although several additional bands in combination with the vibrational mode of the intermediate state are identifiable, they are much lower in intensity. This observation implies that the molecular structure of BaP has a tremendous capability to accommodate changes in charge density. All observed bands of the cation are IR active, establishing the role of ZEKE spectroscopy in mapping out far infrared bands for astrophysical applications.

High-Resolution Spectroscopy of Jet-Cooled 1,1′-Diphenylethylene: Electronically Excited and Ionic States of a Prototypical Cross-Conjugated System

The photophysics of a prototypical cross-conjugated π-system, 1,1'-diphenylethylene, have been studied using high-resolution resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization excitation spectroscopy and zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy, in combination with advanced ab initio calculations. We find that the excitation spectrum of S(1) displays extensive vibrational progressions that we identify to arise from large changes in the torsional angles of the phenyl rings upon electronic excitation. The extensive activity of the antisymmetric inter-ring torsional vibration provides conclusive evidence for a loss of symmetry upon excitation, leading to an inequivalence of the two phenyl rings. Nonresonant zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy from the ground state of the neutral molecule to the ground state of the radical cation, on the other hand, demonstrates that upon ionization symmetry is retained, and that the geometry changes are considerably smaller. Apart from elucidating how removal of an electron affects the structure of the molecule, these measurements provide an accurate value for the adiabatic ionization energy (65274 ± 1 cm(-1) (8.093 eV)). Zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectra obtained after excitation of vibronic levels in S(1) confirm these conclusions and provide us with an extensive atlas of ionic vibronic energy levels. For higher excitation energies the excitation spectrum of S(1) becomes quite congested and shows unexpected large intensities. Ab initio calculations strongly suggest that this is caused by a conical intersection between S(1) and S(2).

Renner-Teller Effect, Spin−Orbit Coupling, and Fermi Resonance in BrCN+ (X̃2Π): A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

The spin-vibronic energy levels of BrCN(+) (X̃(2)Π) up to 7700 cm(-1) above the vibrational ground state have been measured using zero-kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy (ZEKE) and tunable coherent extreme ultraviolet (XUV) light. The fundamental bands for C≡N stretching, Br-C≡N bending, and C-Br stretching vibrations have been measured, and a strong bending excitation was observed. The Renner-Teller effect and the Fermi interaction between the C-Br stretching and the Br-C≡N bending have been observed experimentally. To characterize the spin-vibronic interaction in BrCN(+) (X̃(2)Π), an effective diabatic model Hamiltonian with spectroscopic parameters describing these interactions was used to calculate the vibronic energy levels. The spectroscopic parameters have been determined by fitting the experimental data. Theoretical calculations based on the diabatic model were also performed. The theoretical spectroscopic parameters have been calculated using the potential energy surfaces reported by Biczysko and Tarroni (Chem. Phys. Lett. 2005, 415, 223). The calculated vibronic energy levels and spectroscopic parameters have been compared with those from the experimental data. For the diabatic potential energy matrix, the ab initio calculations provide good description of the diagonal elements, however, the off-diagonal elements deviate appreciably from those determined by experimental data. By analyzing the ZEKE spectrum of the ground vibrational band, the first adiabatic ionization energy for BrCN has been determined as 95 675.5 ± 2.0 cm(-1).

Zero Kinetic Energy Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Pyrene

We report zero kinetic energy photoelectron (ZEKE) spectroscopy of pyrene via resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization. Our analysis centers on the symmetry of the first electronically excited state (S(1)), its vibrational modes, and the vibration of the ground cationic state (D(0)). From comparisons between the observed vibrational frequencies and those from ab initio calculations at the configuration interaction singles level using the 6-311G (d,p) basis set, and based on other previous experimental and theoretical reports, we confirm the (1)B(2u) symmetry for the S(1) state. This assignment represents a reversal in the energy order of the two closely spaced electronically excited states from our theoretical calculation, and extensive configuration interactions are attributed to this result. Among the observed vibrational levels of the S(1) state, three are results of vibronic coupling due to the nearby second electronically excited state. The ZEKE spectroscopy obtained via the vibronic levels of the S(1) state reveals similar modes for the cation as those of the intermediate state. Although we believe that the ground ionic state can be considered a single electron configuration, the agreement between theoretical and experimental frequencies for the cation is limited. This result is somewhat surprising based on our previous work on cata-condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and small substituted aromatic compounds. Although a relatively small molecule, pyrene demonstrates its nonrigidity via several out-of-plane bending modes corresponding to corrugation of the molecular plane. The adiabatic ionization potential of neutral pyrene is determined to be 59 888 ± 7 cm(-1).

FAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY OF CATIONIC POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS: ZERO KINETIC ENERGY PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY OF PENTACENE VAPORIZED FROM LASER DESORPTION

The distinctive set of infrared (IR) emission bands at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.3{\mu}m are ubiquitously seen in a wide variety of astrophysical environments. They are generally attributed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules. However, not a single PAH species has yet been identified in space, as the mid-IR vibrational bands are mostly representative of functional groups and thus do not allow one to fingerprint individual PAH molecules. In contrast, the far-IR (FIR) bands are sensitive to the skeletal characteristics of a molecule, hence they are important for chemical identification of unknown species. With an aim to offer laboratory astrophysical data for the Herschel Space Observatory, Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, and similar future space missions, in this work we report neutral and cation FIR spectroscopy of pentacene (C_22H_14), a five-ring PAH molecule. We report three IR active modes of cationic pentacene at 53.3, 84.8, and 266{\mu}m that may be detectable by space missions such as the SAFARI instrument on board SPICA. In the experiment, pentacene is vaporized from a laser desorption source and cooled by a supersonic argon beam. We have obtained results from two-color resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization and two-color zero kinetic energy photoelectron (ZEKE) spectroscopy. Several skeletal vibrational modes of the first electronically excited state of the neutral species and those of the cation are assigned, with the aid of ab initio and density functional calculations.

Book Review of Laser Chemistry: Spectroscopy, Dynamics and Applications

Laser Chemistry: Spectroscopy, Dynamics and Applications by Helmut H. Telle, Angel G. Ure~na, and Robert J. Donovan John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.: Chichester, West Sussex, England, 2007. 516 pp. ISBN: 978- 0471485711 (paperback). $90.00 reviewed by Benjamin A. DeGraff There is little doubt that lasers have had a profound impact on the way we do science and medicine. No science undergraduate should escape the hallowed halls without some knowledge of how these devices work and what they are good for. If you want to expand beyond the eight pages provided in traditional textbooks, you have a number of good resources from which to choose. Your choice may be dictated by how much mathematical heavy lifting you are willing to inflict on your students. At one end of the rigor spectrum is the excellent text by Silfvast, which is a must for anyone who wants to design his or her own system or work seriously in the field (1). For those whose needs are more modest, this book is a worthy candidate. This text comes close to being the complete Wikipedia of lasers and their applications. Just like Ragu spaghetti sauce, it is all in there. The first 14 chapters deal with basics: how lasers and their requisite accessories work (Chapters 3 and 4), general aspects of spectroscopy (Chapters 1, 5-9), a bit about optics and the manipulation of light (Chapters 10-12), and some things about light detection and signal processing (Chapters 13 and 14). If you crave the math, it is often available in the grayed supplemental sections. The level of writing is reasonably consistent given the book's several authors. There are numerous helpful diagrams, and the tone is clearly conceptual. The remainder of the book takes a look at various applications of lasers to modern experimentation in a number of areas. The applications selected reflect the authors' research interests and emphasize gas-phase, small-molecule systems. Thus, LIBS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) and MALDI (matrixassisted laser desorption ionization) techniques are covered in a few pages, while high-resolution, zero-kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy has more extensive coverage. That is OK, because the authors wrote the book and therefore got to choose which applications to present. While the hazards of any applications chapter is the obsolescence of the papers cited, most of the material is sufficiently basic that students can still get a good feel for the area even if the reference list ages. Specifically, Chapters 15-18 deal with small-molecule photochemistry as elucidated by laser techniques. The scene then shifts in Chapters 20-23 to various techniques to probe reacting systems, again gas phase. There are chapters on probing the adsorbed state and surface chemistry (Chapters 26 and 27), as well as studies on various complexes (Chapter 24). The last three chapters give a brief overview of some analytical, environmental, and medical applications. The book comes complete with warts, but none are deal breakers. The authors use two sets of references, a specific set and a general set, which can be a bit confusing. Apparently the publisher wanted to see whether the book would make The New York Times' bestseller list before investing in color, but that is not the authors' fault. The most significant problem is the promised Web site with supplemental material and problems to support the book (2). As of thiswriting, the site is not fully operational and only a limited amount of material is available. This is unfortunate for those like this reviewer who might like to use this book as the main text in a special topics class. Overall, this is a worthy addition to the laser literature and well suited for undergraduate use. At this point, I would give it a B, but that may well rise to an A- if the Web site finally comes online. The book sells for about $90, but is available for less from discount vendors. For students, this is a real bargain. I'm glad I have a copy, and I will make use of it in my laser course this semester.

Zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy of tetracene using laser desorption for vaporization

Far infrared (FIR) spectroscopy of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is of particular interest to astrophysics since vibrational modes in this range are representative of the molecular size and shape. This information is hence important for identification of chemical compositions and for modeling of the IR spectrum observed in the outer space. In this work, we report neutral and cation FIR spectroscopy of tetracene vaporized from a laser desorption source. Results from two-color resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization and two-color zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy will be presented. Several skeletal vibrational modes of the first electronically excited state of the neutral species and those of the cation are assigned, with the aid of ab initio and density functional calculations. The adiabatic ionization potential is determined to be 55 918 +/- 7 cm(-1). Interestingly, all observed vibrational modes can be rationalized based on a simple Huckle calculation, i.e., by observing the addition or elimination of nodal planes due to electronic excitation and/or ionization. Limited by the Franck-Condon principle and the rigidity of the molecular frame of tetracene, only IR forbidden modes are observed in this work.

The weakly-bound complex Cl·N2O studied by high resolution photodetachment photoelectron spectroscopy

Zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy of the weakly bound complex Cl(-).N(2)O is presented. Adiabatic detachment energies between the anionic complex and the neutral complex states X(1/2), I(3/2), and II(1/2) as well as frequencies of van der Waals modes are supplied. Supported by theoretical simulations, these results correlate with a T-shaped structure of the anionic and an L-shaped structure of the neutral molecular complex. The weakly bound neutral complex Cl.N(2)O has been discussed as a prereactive state of the chemical reaction Cl + N(2)O --> ClO + N(2) [A. Lesar, M. Hodoscek, M. Senegacnik, J. Chem. Phys. 1996, 105, 917].

Zero kinetic energy spectroscopy of hydroquinone-water (1:1) complex: A probe for conformer assignment

Zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy of the hydroquinone-water (HQW) complex was carried out to characterize its S(1)-S(0) resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectrum in terms of the cis and trans conformers. The ZEKE spectra of the hydroquinone isomers show differences in the Franck-Condon (FC) activity of a few ring modes, viz., modes 15, 9b, and 6b, due to the different symmetries of the two isomers. These modes were used as a "diagnostic tool" to carry out the categorical assignment of the REMPI spectrum of the HQW complex. It was found that the FC activity of these diagnostic modes in the cationic ground state (D(0)) of the water complex is similar as that of the monomer. The two lowest energy transitions in the REMPI spectrum of the water complex, 33,175 and 33,209 cm(-1), were reassigned as the band origins of the cis and trans hydroquinone-water complexes, which is opposite of the previous assignment. The intermolecular stretching mode (sigma) of the complex shows a long progression, up to v(')=4, in the cationic ground state and is strongly coupled to other observed ring modes. The Franck-Condon factors for different members in the progression were calculated using the potential energy surfaces computed ab initio. These agree well with the observed intensity patterns in the progression. The ionization potential of the trans and cis complexes was determined to be 60,071+/-4 and 60,024+/-4 cm(-1), respectively.

Vibrational structure, spin-orbit splitting, and bond dissociation energy of Cl2+(X̃Πg2) studied by zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy and ion-pair formation imaging method

The isotopomer-resolved vibrational and spin-orbit energy structures of Cl(2) (+)(X (2)Pi(g)) have been studied by one-photon zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy. The spin-orbit energy splitting for the ground vibrational state is determined as 717.7+/-1.5 cm(-1), which greatly improves on the accuracy of the previously reported data. This value is found to be in good agreement with the ab initio quantum chemical calculation taking account of the inner shell electron correlation. The first adiabatic ionization energy (IE) of Cl(2) is determined as 92 645.9+/-1.0 cm(-1). Using the ion-pair formation imaging method to discriminate signals of Cl(+)((1)D(2)) from those of Cl(+)((3)P(j)), the threshold for ion-pair (E(tipp)) production, Cl(+)((1)D(2))+Cl(-)((1)S(0))<--Cl(2)(X (1)Sigma(g) (+)), is determined as 107 096(-2) (+8) cm(-1). By using the determined IE and E(tipp) for Cl(2) and also the reported IE and electronic affinity for chlorine atom, the bond dissociation energies of Cl(2)(X (1)Sigma(g) (+)) and Cl(2) (+)(X (2)Pi(g)) have been determined as 19 990(-2) (+8) and 31 935.1(-2) (+8), respectively.

Vibrational Structure of Vinyl Chloride Cation Studied by Using One-Photon Zero-Kinetic Energy Photoelectron Spectroscopy

The vibrational structure of vinyl chloride cation, CH(2)CHCl+ (X(2)A' '), has been studied by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) zero-kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy. Among nine symmetric vibrational modes, the fundamental frequencies of six modes have been determined. The first overtone of the out-of-plane CH(2) twist vibrational mode has been also measured. In addition to these, the combination and overtone bands of the above vibrational modes about 4500 cm(-1) above the ground state have been observed in the ZEKE spectrum. The vibrational band intensities of the ZEKE spectrum can be described approximately by the Franck-Condon factors with harmonic approximation. The ZEKE spectrum has been assigned based on the harmonic frequencies and Franck-Condon factors from theoretical calculations. The ionization energy (IE) of CH(2)CHCl is determined as 80705.5 +/- 2.5 (cm(-1)) or 10.0062 +/- 0.0003 (eV).

Resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization and zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy of 2-indanol conformers

We report studies of a supersonically cooled 2-indanol using two-color resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) and two-color zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy. In the REMPI experiment, we have identified three conformers of 2-indanol and assigned the vibrational structures of the first electronically excited state for the two major conformers. Conformer Ia contains an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the -OH group and the phenyl ring, while conformer IIb has the -OH group in the equatorial position. We have further investigated the vibrational spectroscopy of the cation for the two major conformers using the ZEKE spectroscopy. The two conformers display dramatically different vibrational distributions. The ZEKE spectrum of conformer Ia shows an extensive progression in the puckering mode of the five member ring, indicating a significant geometry change upon ionization. The ZEKE spectra of conformer IIb are dominated by single vibronic transitions, and the intensity of the ZEKE signal is much stronger than that of conformer Ia. These results indicate an invariance of the molecular frame during ionization for conformer IIb. We have performed ab initio and density functional theory calculations to obtain potential energy surfaces along the dihedral angle involving the -OH group for all three electronic states. In addition, we have also calculated the vibrational distribution of the ZEKE spectrum for the puckering mode of the five member ring. Not only the vibrational frequencies but also the intensity distributions for both conformers have been reproduced satisfactorily. The adiabatic ionization energies have been determined to be 68 593+/-5 cm(-1) for conformer Ia and 68 981+/-5 cm(-1) for conformer IIb.

ZEKE Spectroscopy and Theoretical Calculations of Copper−Methylamine Complexes

The copper-monomethylamine and -dimethylamine complexes were produced in a supersonic jet and examined using single-photon zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The adiabatic ionization potentials (I.P.) of the complexes and vibrational frequencies of the corresponding ions were measured from their ZEKE spectra. The equilibrium geometries, binding energies, and vibrational frequencies of the neutral and ionized complexes were obtained from MP2 and B3LYP calculations. The observed vibrational frequencies of the ionic complexes were well-reproduced by both calculations, whereas the Franck-Condon intensity patterns of the spectra were simulated better by MP2 than B3LYP. The observed I.P. and vibrational frequencies of the Cu-NH(n)(CH3)(3-n) (n = 0-3) complexes were compared, and methyl substitution effects on their ZEKE spectra were discussed.

Structure of Gas Phase Radical Cation of 1,3,6,8-Tetraazatricyclo[4.4.1.13,8] Dodecane Determined from Zero Kinetic Energy Photoelectron Spectroscopy

We report gas-phase vibrational spectroscopy of the ground-state cation of 1,3,6,8-tetraazatricyclo[4.4.1.1(3,8)]dodecane (TTD) using two-color two-photon zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy. From the distribution of active vibrational modes and comparisons between the experiment and theoretical simulation, we offer proof that the cationic state and the first electronically excited state have the same D(2d) symmetry.