Mechanisms and time-resolved dynamics for trihydrogen cation (H₃⁺) formation from organic molecules in strong laser fields.

ABSTRACT: Strong-field laser-matter interactions often lead to exotic chemical reactions. Trihydrogen cation formation from organic molecules is one such case that requires multiple bonds to break and form. We present evidence for the existence of two different reaction pathways for H₃⁺ formation from organic molecules irradiated by a strong-field laser. Assignment of the two pathways was accomplished through analysis of femtosecond time-resolved strong-field ionization and photoion-photoion coincidence measurements carried out on methanol isotopomers, ethylene glycol, and acetone. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations suggest the formation occurs via two steps: the initial formation of a neutral hydrogen molecule, followed by the abstraction of a proton from the remaining C

SUBMITTER: Ekanayake N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5498647 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature