Reactive scattering of a supersonic alkali atom beam: K+HgCl2, HgBr2, HgI2

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Abstract
Angular distribution measurements of reactive scattering of a supersonic potassium atom beam by mercuric halide molecules HgX2 are reported with initial kinetic energies E ∼ 6 kcal mole-1. All the reactions exhibit stripping dynamics with 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. A major fraction of the reaction exoergicity is disposed into product vibrational excitation. Just as in the alkali atom-halogen molecule reactions, the reaction dynamics are explained by an electron jump in the entrance valley of the potential surface. However, the dissociation of the HgX2 - ion involves rather different forces from the X2 - ion without having a dramatic effect on the differential reaction cross section.