Osculating complex model

Fig. 17. Solid-angle differential cross section for the reaction 0( D) + H OH + H proceeding via the insertion-decomposition pathway. The best fit from the osculating complex model (OCM) is the solid curve which is shown superimposed on the histogrammic representation of the trajectory data. The collision energy is 2 kcal/mol. Arrows indicate the range of scattering angles obtained in the trajectory calculations.

Summary of the application of the osculating complex model (OCM) to reactions of 0( D) with isotopic hydrogen molecules proceeding via the insertion-decomposition pathway. 

The direction in which the light atom leaves is uncorrelated with the initial direction of the carbon atom. Neither reaction channel, therefore, may be appropriately treated by the osculating complex model. 

One system is 0( D) with the (v=0,j=l) state of H2, HD, or D2 at a collision energy of 2 kcal/mol. Most reactions proceed via an intermediate complex. An analysis of the differential cross sections by the osculating complex model indicates that the average lifetime of the complex is less than or on the order of a rotational period. 

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