Flash Pyrolytic Production of Rotationally Cold Free Radicals in a Supersonic Jet. Resonant Multiphoton Spectrum of the 3p2A2''= X2A2'' Origin Band of CH3

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/j100402a014

Methyl radicals with the rotational temperature of 40 K are produced by flash pyrolysis prior to supersonic expansion.A mass-resolved resonant MPI spectrum of the 3p²A₂'' = X²A₂'' origin band shows clearly resolved rotational structure, in sharp contrast to the spectrum at room temperature.Flash pyrolysis, coupled with ionization by resonant MPI or vacuum-UV, provides a potentially general method for obtaining spectra of gas-phase free radicals and reactive intermediates.