An electron bombardment procedure for generating cation and neutral radicals in solid neon matrices at 4 K: ESR study of 14N2+ and 15N2+

Abstract

A new generation technique for matrix isolated cations and neutrals involving the electron bombardment of the matrix sample during deposition is presented. Use of the method for the study of ion-neutral reactions and other types of matrix experiments is discussed. Results for the gas phase electron bombardment of (CH3)2O are compared with electron bombardment of (CH3)2O conducted during neon deposition. The relative amounts of N and N2+ radicals trapped in neon matrices have been measured as a function of electron energies. An ESR analysis of 14N2+ and 15N2+ generated by electron bombardment in neon matrices at 4 K yields: giso=2.0004(2); Aiso(14N)=104.1(6) MHz and Aiso(15N)=146.1(6) MHz. The ESR results are used to estimate the extent of s-p hybridization of N2+ and a comparison with theoretical calculations and several other 13 electron diatomic radicals is made.