Trajectory studies intramolecular vibrational energy

For many of the model molecules studied by the trajectory simulations, the decay of P t) was exponential with a decay constant equal to the RRKM rate constant. However, for some models with widely disparate vibrational frequencies and/or masses, decay was either nonexponential or exponential with a decay constant larger than k E) determined from the intercept of P(f). This behavior occurs when some of the molecule s vibrational states are inaccessible or only weakly coupled. Thus, a micro-canonical ensemble is not maintained during the molecule s decomposition. These studies were a harbinger for what is known now regarding inelficient intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR) in weakly coupled systems such as van der Waals molecules and mode-specific unimolecular dynamics. 

The first step in a unimolecular reaction involves energizing the reactant molecule above its decomposition threshold. An accurate description of the ensuing unimolecular reaction requires an understanding of the state prepared by this energization process. In the first part of this chapter experimental procedures for energizing a reactant molecule are reviewed. This is followed by a description of the vibrational/rotational states prepared for both small and large molecules. For many experimental situations a superposition state is prepared, so that intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR) may occur (Parmenter, 1982). IVR is first discussed quantum mechanically from both time-dependent and time-independent perspectives. The chapter ends with a discussion of classical trajectory studies of IVR. 

The first classical trajectory study of iinimoleciilar decomposition and intramolecular motion for realistic anhannonic molecular Hamiltonians was perfonned by Bunker [12,13], Both intrinsic RRKM and non-RRKM dynamics was observed in these studies. Since this pioneering work, there have been numerous additional studies [9,k7,30,M,M, ai d from which two distinct types of intramolecular motion, chaotic and quasiperiodic [14], have been identified. Both are depicted in figure A3,12,7. Chaotic vibrational motion is not regular as predicted by tire nonnal-mode model and, instead, there is energy transfer between the modes. If all the modes of the molecule participate in the chaotic motion and energy flow is sufficiently rapid, an initial microcanonical ensemble is maintained as the molecule dissociates and RRKM behaviour is observed [9], For non-random excitation initial apparent non-RRKM behaviour is observed, but at longer times a microcanonical ensemble of states is fonned and the probability of decomposition becomes that of RRKM theory. 

H — -H + H2 within the collinear collision model This pioneering work states the following For any system driven by a bent potential valley, the reaction proceeds through a gradual transformation of the collision energy into vibrational energy of the product molecule. The first 3-dimensional trajectories were for the same reac-tion Since then, much important work has been undertaken. For instance, the way in which an empirical modification of the potential modifies the reaction-probability, the intramolecular states of the products, the deflection angle, etc... all these were the subject of many studies " and also of a review article ... 

Once a potential energy function is chosen or determined for a molecule, there are three major components to a trajectory study the selection of initial conditions for the excited molecule, the numerical integration of the classical equations of motion, and the analysis of the trajectories and their final conditions. The last item may include the time at which the trajectory decomposed to products, the nature of the trajectory s intramolecular motion, i.e., regular or irregular, and the vibrational, rotational and translational energies of the reaction products. 

See, for example, D. L. Bunker, /. Chem. Phys., 40,1946 (1963). Monte Carlo Calculations. IV. Further Studies of Unimolecular Dissociation. D. L. Bunker and M. Pattengill,/. Chem. Phys., 48, 772 (1968). Monte Carlo Calculations. VI. A Re-evaluation erf Ae RRKM Theory of Unimolecular Reaction Rates. W. J. Hase and R. J. Wolf, /. Chem. Phys., 75,3809 (1981). Trajectory Studies of Model HCCH H -P HCC Dissociation. 11. Angular Momenta and Energy Partitioning and the Relation to Non-RRKM Dynamics. D. W. Chandler, W. E. Farneth, and R. N. Zare, J. Chem. Phys., 77, 4447 (1982). A Search for Mode-Selective Chemistry The Unimolecular Dissociation of t-Butyl Hydroperoxide Induced by Vibrational Overtone Excitation. J. A. Syage, P. M. Felker, and A. H. Zewail, /. Chem. Phys., 81, 2233 (1984). Picosecond Dynamics and Photoisomerization of Stilbene in Supersonic Beams. II. Reaction Rates and Potential Energy Surface. D. B. Borchardt and S. H. Bauer, /. Chem. Phys., 85, 4980 (1986). Intramolecular Conversions Over Low Barriers. VII. The Aziridine Inversion—Intrinsically Non-RRKM. A. H. Zewail and R. B. Bernstein,... 

Classical trajectories studies have been used to show how a bottleneck in phase space can hinder energy transfer between certain modes in rran -stilbene, and how it is affected by collisions with argon atoms. The rates of intramolecular energy redistribution (IVR) are significantly enhanced by collisions with the atoms. The collisions induce couplings among the molecular vibrational modes, and the collisions lead to rotational excitation of the molecule which further enhances the rate of IVR. 

A few computer simulations of classical trajectories in atom-polyatomic molecule systems have been reported. Leaving aside any questions related to the adequacy of the potential energy surfaces used, these studies have been directed toward understanding the overall vibrational relaxation of the polyatomic partner in the collision, with little attention focused on the nature of the accompanying intramolecular energy exchange. 

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