The infrared laser photoisomerization of HONO in solid N2 and Ar

Abstract
The IR induced photoisomerization of HONO in solid N2 and Ar is a single photon process. The isomerization is not first order but follows a rate law (d [HONO]/dt) = (kcr2l)[I0I][HONO]. Extensive energy migration occurs in these solids. The reaction occurs at sites where the isomerization is least hindered by the cage. There is evidence for the importance of direct coupling of the excited mode and the reaction coordinate.