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Title: Dissociation Time, Quantum Yield, and Dynamic Reaction Pathways in the Thermolysis of trans -3,4-Dimethyl-1,2-dioxetane
The thermolysis of trans-3,4-dimethyl-1,2-dioxetane is studied by trajectory surface hopping. The significant difference between long and short dissociation times is rationalized by frustrated dissociations and the time spent in triplet states. If the C−C bond breaks through an excited state channel, then the trajectory passes over a ridge of the potential energy surface of that state. The calculated triplet quantum yields match the experimental results. The dissociation half-times and quantum yields follow the same ascending order as per the product states, justifying the conjecture that the longer dissociation time leads to a higher quantum yield, proposed in the context of the methylation effect. The populations of the molecular Coulomb Hamiltonian and diagonal states reach equilibrium, but the triplet populations with different Sz components fluctuate indefinitely. Certain initial velocities, leading the trajectories to given product states, can be identified as the most characteristic features for sorting trajectories according to their product states.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2300321 2100971
PAR ID:
10515894
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
ACS
Date Published:
Journal Name:
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
Volume:
15
Issue:
7
ISSN:
1948-7185
Page Range / eLocation ID:
1846 to 1855
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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