The binding energy of Ni+·N2O

The electrostatic complex of Ni+ with a single nitrous oxide molecule, Ni+·N2O, has been studied by resonant photodissociation spectroscopy. Optical absorptions are detected via predissociation of the ion into Ni+ and N2O fragments. A cutoff in the resonant photofragmentation is observed below 17230 cm−1 which represents the threshold for the lowest quartet dissociation pathway. This places the binding energy of the Ni+·N2O complex at 1.096±0.003 eV. The binding energy of this complex is only slightly greater (≈ 16 meV) than that of the similar compound, Ni+·CO2. Speculation is presented supporting a T-shaped ground state geometry in both species.