Gas-Phase Ionic Chemistry and Spectroscopy

Stanford University, Stanford CA

Investigators

Abstract

With this renewal award the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program supports the work of Dr. John I. Brauman of the Department of Chemistry at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. The work seeks a fundamental understanding of the equilibria, kinetics, and optical and infrared photochemistry of ions in the gas phase. Experimental methods include ion cyclotron resonance spectroscopy, high pressure and flowing afterglow mass spectrometry, and optical and infrared photoexcitation, using both conventional and laser light sources. The work seeks to understand some of the most fundamental issues in organic chemistry, by studying the reactions of reactive intermediates in the gas phase using a variety of experimental techniques. Correlating structure with reactivity and comparing gas phase and solution phase behavior provides insights into the roles solvents play in influencing the outcomes of chemical reactions. The work is expected to provide excellent training for graduate students in both teaching and research.