Aeronomic importance of ion–molecule clustering reactions

Abstract

A literature survey of observations of ion clusters in mass spectrometers indicates that the association rate constant depends on the number of atoms in the cluster. An altitude profile of estimated apparent bimolecular rates of clustering in the atmosphere is made from this empirical correlation. Experimental measurements of the termolecular rate constant for clusters in formation are reported; the temperature dependence of some of these has been measured.