Zero Kinetic Energy Spectra Research Articles

Vibration-modified torsional potentials and vibration-torsion ("vibtor") levels in the m-fluorotoluene cation.

Zero-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) spectra are presented for m-fluorotoluene, employing different low-lying (<350 cm-1) intermediate torsional and vibration-torsional ("vibtor") levels of the S1 state. The adiabatic ionization energy (AIE) is found to be 71 997 ± 5 cm-1 (8.9265 ± 0.0006 eV). It is found that the activity in the ZEKE spectra varies greatly for different levels and is consistent with the assignments of the S1 levels deduced in the recent fluorescence study of Stewart et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 150, 174303 (2019)]. For cation torsional levels, the most intense band corresponds to changes in the torsional quantum number, in line with the known change in the phase of the torsional potential upon ionization. This leads to the observation of an unprecedented number of torsions and vibtor levels, with the pronounced vibtor activity involving out-of-plane vibrations. Interactions between levels involving torsions are discussed, with evidence presented, for the first time it is believed, for modification of a torsional potential induced by a vibration. Also, we discuss the possibility of distortion of the methyl group leading to a change from G6 molecular symmetry to Cs point group symmetry.

Cationic and excited state characterization of NH⋯X (X = N, O) interaction in benzimidazole complexes with ammonia and water using ZEKE and FDIR spectroscopy

In this study we have used various laser spectroscopic studies to investigate the neutral excited state and cationic ground state of the NH···N and NH···O bound complexes of an N–heterocyclic aromatic compound, benzimidazole (BIM). The complexes of BIM with ammonia and water were formed using supersonic jet expansion method. The excited state of the complexes was characterized using the fluorescence depletion infrared (FDIR) spectroscopy and the zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photo-electron spectroscopy was used to characterize the cationic state. This is the first report of a ZEKE spectrum for an NH···N bound hydrogen bonded complex. The adiabatic ionization energies (A.I.E.) for the BIM-ammonia and BIM-water complexes were found to be 63621 ± 5 cm−1 and 64410 ± 5 cm−1, respectively. These were red shifted by 3925 cm−1 and 3136 cm−1 with respect to that of the BIM monomer. The results re-emphasize the fact that ammonia is a better hydrogen bond acceptor than water due to its higher proton affinity. The experimental observations are supported by extensive calculations using various DFT functionals and MP2 method. The shifts in the A.I.E. values and the binding energies in the cationic state computed using the CAM-B3LYP and ωB97X-D functionals were found to match better with the experimentally determined values compared to those computed at the B3LYP, B3LYP-D3 as well as MP2 level. Assignments of the intermolecular and intramolecular modes were made by comparison with calculated frequencies. We also report the ZEKE spectrum of the BIM monomer and revise some of the assignments made in an earlier report of the mass analyzed threshold ionization (MATI) spectrum of the same.

Vibration and vibration-torsion levels of the S1 state of para-fluorotoluene in the 580-830 cm-1 range: Interactions and coincidences.

A study of the vibration and vibration-torsion levels of para-fluorotoluene in the 580-830 cm-1 region is presented, where a number of features are located whose identity is complicated by interactions and overlap. We examine this region with a view to ascertaining the assignments of the bands; in particular, identifying those that arise from interactions involving various zero-order states (ZOSs) involving both vibrations and torsions. Resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) is employed to identify the wavenumbers of the relevant transitions, and subsequently zero-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) spectra are recorded to assign the various eigenstates. In some cases, a set of ZEKE spectra are recorded across the wavenumber range of a REMPI feature, and we construct what we term a two-dimensional ZEKE (2D-ZEKE) spectrum, which allows the changing ZOS contributions to the eigenstates to be ascertained. Assignment of the observed bands is aided by quantum chemical calculations and all b1 and a2 symmetry vibrational wavenumbers are now determined in the S1 state and cation, as well as those of the D10 vibration. We also compare to the activity seen in the corresponding S1 ← S0 spectrum of para-difluorobenzene.

Vibrational and vibrational-torsional interactions in the 0-600 cm-1 region of the S1← S0 spectrum of p-xylene investigated with resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) and zero-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) spectroscopy.

We assign the 0-600 cm-1 region of the S1← S0 transition in p-xylene (p-dimethylbenzene) using resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) and zero-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) spectroscopy. In the 0-350 cm-1 range as well as the intense origin band, there are a number of torsional and vibration-torsion (vibtor) features. The latter are discussed in more detail in Paper I [A. M. Gardner et al., J. Chem. Phys. 146, 124308 (2017)]. Here we focus on the origin and the 300-600 cm-1 region, where vibrational bands and some vibtor activity are observed. From the origin ZEKE spectrum, we derive the ionization energy of p-xylene as 68200 ± 5 cm-1. The assignment of the REMPI spectrum is based on the activity observed in the ZEKE spectra coupled with knowledge of the vibrational wavenumbers obtained from quantum chemical calculations. We assign several isolated vibrations and a complex Fermi resonance that is found to comprise contributions from both vibrations and vibtor levels, and we examine this via a two-dimensional ZEKE spectrum. A number of the vibrational features in the REMPI and ZEKE spectra of p-xylene that have been reported previously are reassigned and now largely consist of totally symmetric contributions. We briefly discuss the appearance of non-Franck-Condon allowed transitions. Finally, we find remarkably similar spectral activity to that in the related disubstituted benzenes, para-difluorobenzene, and para-fluorotoluene.

Torsion and vibration-torsion levels of the S1 and ground cation electronic states of para-fluorotoluene.

We investigate the low-energy transitions (0-570 cm-1) of the S1 state of para-fluorotoluene (pFT) using a combination of resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization and zero-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. By using various S1 states as intermediate levels, we obtain ZEKE spectra. The differing activity observed allows detailed assignments to be made of both the cation and S1 low-energy levels. The assignments are in line with the recently published work on toluene from the Lawrance group [J. R. Gascooke et al., J. Chem. Phys. 143, 044313 (2015)], which considered vibration-torsion coupling in depth for the S1 state of toluene. In addition, we investigate whether two bands that occur in the range 390-420 cm-1 are the result of a Fermi resonance; we present evidence for weak coupling between various vibrations and torsions that contribute to this region. This work has led to the identification of a number of misassignments in the literature, and these are corrected.

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).

Zero Kinetic Energy Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Benzo[h]quinoline.

We report zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy of benzo[h]quinoline (BhQ) via resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) through the first electronically excited state S1. From the simulated REMPI spectra with and without Herzberg-Teller coupling, we conclude that vibronic coupling plays a minor but observable role in the electronic excitation to the S1 state. We further compare the S1 state of BhQ with the first two electronically excited states of phenanthrene, noticing a similarity of the S1 state of BhQ with the second electronically excited state S2 of phenanthrene. In the ZEKE spectra of BhQ, the vibrational frequencies of the cationic state D0 are consistently higher than those of the intermediate neutral state, indicating enhanced bonding upon ionization. The sparse ZEKE spectra, compared with the spectrum of phenanthrene containing rich vibronic activities, further imply that the nitrogen atom has attenuated the structural change between S1 and D0 states. We speculate that the nitrogen atom can withdraw an electron in the S1 state and donate an electron in the D0 state, thereby minimizing the structural change during ionization. The origin of the first electronically excited state is determined to be 29,410 ± 5 cm(-1), and the adiabatic ionization potential is determined to be 65,064 ± 7 cm(-1).

Zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy of triphenylene.

We report vibrational information of both the first electronically excited state and the ground cationic state of jet-cooled triphenylene via the techniques of resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) and zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy. The first excited electronic state S1 of the neutral molecule is of A1' symmetry and is therefore electric dipole forbidden in the D3h group. Consequently, there are no observable Franck-Condon allowed totally symmetric a1' vibrational bands in the REMPI spectrum. All observed vibrational transitions are due to Herzberg-Teller vibronic coupling to the E' third electronically excited state S3. The assignment of all vibrational bands as e' symmetry is based on comparisons with calculations using the time dependent density functional theory and spectroscopic simulations. When an electron is eliminated, the molecular frame undergoes Jahn-Teller distortion, lowering the point group to C2v and resulting in two nearly degenerate electronic states of A2 and B1 symmetry. Here we follow a crude treatment by assuming that all e' vibrational modes resolve into b2 and a1 modes in the C2v molecular frame. Some observed ZEKE transitions are tentatively assigned, and the adiabatic ionization threshold is determined to be 63 365 ± 7 cm(-1). The observed ZEKE spectra contain a consistent pattern, with a cluster of transitions centered near the same vibrational level of the cation as that of the intermediate state, roughly consistent with the propensity rule. However, complete assignment of the detailed vibrational structure due to Jahn-Teller coupling requires much more extensive calculations, which will be performed in the future.

The 700-1500 cm−1 region of the S1 ($\widetilde A{}^1B_2$Ã1B2) state of toluene studied with resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI), zero-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) spectroscopy, and time-resolved slow-electron velocity-map imaging (tr-SEVI) spectroscopy

We report (nanosecond) resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI), (nanosecond) zero-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) and (picosecond) time-resolved slow-electron velocity map imaging (tr-SEVI) spectra of fully hydrogenated toluene (Tol-h8) and the deuterated-methyl group isotopologue (α3-Tol-d3). Vibrational assignments are made making use of the activity observed in the ZEKE and tr-SEVI spectra, together with the results from quantum chemical and previous experimental results. Here, we examine the 700-1500 cm(-1) region of the REMPI spectrum, extending our previous work on the region ≤700 cm(-1). We provide assignments for the majority of the S1 and cation bands observed, and in particular we gain insight regarding a number of regions where vibrations are coupled via Fermi resonance. We also gain insight into intramolecular vibrational redistribution in this molecule.

Vibrations of the low energy states of toluene ($\tilde X$X̃ 1A1 and $\tilde A$Ã 1B2) and the toluene cation ($\tilde X$X̃ 2B1)

We commence by presenting an overview of the assignment of the vibrational frequencies of the toluene molecule in its ground (S0) state. The assignment given is in terms of a recently proposed nomenclature, which allows the ring-localized vibrations to be compared straightforwardly across different monosubstituted benzenes. The frequencies and assignments are based not only on a range of previous work, but also on calculated wavenumbers for both the fully hydrogenated (toluene-h8) and the deuterated-methyl group isotopologue (α3-toluene-d3), obtained from density functional theory (DFT), including artificial-isotope shifts. For the S1 state, one-colour resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectroscopy was employed, with the vibrational assignments also being based on previous work and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculated values; but also making use of the activity observed in two-colour zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) spectroscopy. The ZEKE experiments were carried out employing a (1 + 1(')) ionization scheme, using various vibrational levels of the S1 state with an energy <630 cm(-1) as intermediates; as such we only discuss in detail the assignment of the REMPI spectra at wavenumbers <700 cm(-1), referring to the assignment of the ZEKE spectra concurrently. Comparison of the ZEKE spectra for the two toluene isotopologues, as well as with previously reported dispersed-fluorescence spectra, and with the results of DFT calculations, provide insight both into the assignment of the vibrations in the S1 and D0(+) states, as well as the couplings between these vibrations. In particular, insight into the nature of a complicated Fermi resonance feature at ∼460 cm(-1) in the S1 state is obtained, and Fermi resonances in the cation are identified. Finally, we compare activity observed in both REMPI and ZEKE spectroscopy for both toluene isotopologues with that for fluorobenzene and chlorobenzene.

Resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization and zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy of benzo[e]pyrene

We report zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy via resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) for benzo[e]pyrene. Extensive vibronic coupling between the first electronically excited state and a nearby state allows b2 modes to be observed which would be Franck–Condon (FC) disallowed. These vibronic modes are comparable in intensity to the FC allowed a1 modes. We are able to qualitatively simulate the vibronic spectra of both REMPI and ZEKE using density functional methods. The ZEKE spectra demonstrate propensity in preserving the vibrational excitation of the intermediate state. These results suggest a remarkable structural stability of BeP in accommodating the additional charge.

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.

Resonantly Enhanced Multiphoton Ionization and Zero Kinetic Energy Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Benzo[g,h,i]perylene

We report zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy of benzo[g,h,i]perylene (BghiP) via resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI). Our analysis concentrates on the vibrational modes of both the first electronically excited state and the ground cationic state. Extensive vibronic coupling due to a nearby electronically excited state manifests through strong Franck-Condon (FC) forbidden bands, which are stronger than even the FC allowed bands in the REMPI spectrum. Theoretical calculations using Gaussian are problematic in identifying the electronic configurations of the excited electronic states and predicting the transition energies. However, by setting the keyword for the second excited electronic state, both density functional theory and configuration interaction methods can reproduce the observed spectrum qualitatively. The general agreement significantly helps with the vibrational assignment. The ZEKE spectra demonstrate propensity in preserving the vibrational excitation of the intermediate electronic state. In addition, almost all ZEKE spectra exhibit a similar vibrational distribution, and the distribution can be reproduced by an FC calculation from the vibronic origin of the first excited electronic state to the cationic state using Gaussian 09. These results suggest a remarkable structural stability of BghiP in accommodating the additional charge. All observed vibrational bands of the cation are IR active, establishing the role of ZEKE spectroscopy in mapping out far-infrared bands for astrophysical applications.

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.

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 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).

Tryptophol Cation Conformations Studied with ZEKE Spectroscopy

The relative energies of several conformations of the tryptophol cation are determined by zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy and photoionization efficiency measurements. Recently published high-resolution electronic spectroscopy on the neutral species determined the absolute configuration of the different conformers in the S1 spectrum. These assignments are utilized in the photoelectron experiments by pumping through conformer specific S1 resonances yielding ZEKE spectra of the specific, assigned conformations. The adiabatic ionization of one specific conformation is definitively determined, and two others are estimated. The photoelectron spectra, coupled with calculations, reveal that structural changes upon ionization are dominated by interactions of the hydroxyl group with the changes of electronic structure in the aromatic system.

The vibrational structures of furan, pyrrole, and thiophene cations studied by zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy

The vibrational structures of the electronic ground states ((approximately)X (2)A(2)) of furan, pyrrole, and thiophene cations have been studied by zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopic method. In addition to the strong excitations of the symmetric a(1) vibrational modes, other three symmetric vibrational modes (a(2), b(1), and b(2)) have been observed unambiguously. These results which cannot be explained by the Franck-Condon principle illustrate that the vibronic coupling and the Coriolis coupling may play important roles in understanding the vibrational structures of the five-membered heterocycle cations. The vibrationally resolved ZEKE spectra are assigned with the assistance of the density function theory calculations, and the fundamental frequencies for many vibrational modes have been determined for the first time. The first adiabatic ionization energies for furan, pyrrole, and thiophene were determined as 8.8863, 8.2099, and 8.8742 eV, respectively, with uncertainties of 0.0002 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.

Preparing transition-metal clusters in known structural forms: The mass-analyzed threshold ionization spectrum of V3

The first results are presented of a new experiment designed both to generate and characterize spectroscopically individual isomers of transition-metal cluster cations. As a proof of concept the one-photon mass-analyzed threshold ionization (MATI) spectrum of V3 has been recorded in the region of 44,000-45,000 cm-1. This study extends the range of a previous zero-kinetic-energy (ZEKE) photoelectron study of Yang et al. [Chem. Phys. Lett. 231, 177 (1994)] with which the current results are compared. The MATI spectra reported here exhibit surprisingly high resolution (0.2 cm-1) for this technique despite the use of large discrimination and extraction fields. Analysis of the rotational profile of the origin band allows assignment of the V3 ground state as and the V3+ ground state as , both with D3h geometry, in agreement with the density-functional theory study of the V3 ZEKE spectrum by Calaminici et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 114, 4036 (2001)]. There is also some evidence in the spectrum of transitions to the low-lying excited state of the ion. The vibrational structure observed in the MATI spectrum is, however, significantly different to and less extensive than that predicted in the density-functional theory study. Possible reasons for the discrepancies are discussed and an alternative assignment is proposed which results in revised values for the vibrational wave numbers of both the neutral and ionic states. These studies demonstrate the efficient generation of cluster ions in known structural (isomeric) forms and pave the way for the study of cluster reactivity as a function of geometrical structure.