Photoelectron spectroscopy of reactive intermediates

Abstract

Recent developments in the use of photoelectron spectroscopy to study reactive intermediates in the gas phase are reviewed. The information to be derived on low-lying cationic states from such studies is illustrated by considering two diatomic molecules, NCI and PF, and one triatomic molecule, HNO. Also, the use of a transition-metal photoelectron spectrum to interpret the photoelectron spectrum of the corresponding transition-metal oxide is discussed by using the spectra of vanadium and vanadium monoxide as examples. The value of super-heating in high-temperature photoelectron spectroscopy is demonstrated by considering the vapour-phase photoelectron spectra of the monomers and dimers of sodium hydroxide.