1. Probing the Metal Activation of C-H Bonds Using High-Resolution Mid-infrared Laser Spectroscopy
Timothy C. Steimle, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
We are generating and characterizing transient metal containing molecules produced in the elementary reaction of platinum, iridium and rhodium atoms with simple hydrocarbons:
A sensitive, ultra-high resolution spectrometer operating in the mid-infrared spectral region has been constructed. The infrared radiation is generated from the difference between a monochromatic fixed frequency Nd:YAG laser and a tunable monochromatic Ti:Sapphire laser. Cold (< 40K) gas-phase radicals are produced either using a laser ablation or d.c. discharge source.