Reactive scattering of alkali dimers: K2+ HgCl2, HgBr2, HgI2

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Abstract
Angular distribution measurements of KX reactive scattering of a potassium dimer K2 beam by mercuric halide molecules HgX2 are reported. All the reactions exhibit strong forward peaking in the centre of mass differential cross sections and large total reaction cross sections Qr ∼ 150 Å2. However, there is substantial backward peaking ( forward peak) for HgBr2, HgI2. Despite the direct stripping dynamics, both alkali atoms of the K2 dimer become bound alkali halide molecules in most (perhaps all) reactive collisions. A major fraction of the reaction exoergicity is disposed into vibrational excitation of the product KX molecules. A mechanism involving a first electron jump in the entrance valley and a second electron jump in the exit valley of the potential surface is suggested to explain the rapid transfer of both K2 valence electrons.