Molecular product formation from the charge-transfer state of C6H6I2

The C6H6 and I2 molecular product fragments of the C6H6I2 charge-transfer state have been investigated. Wavelength resolved studies show considerable rotational excitation of the benzene fragment and corresponding velocity spectra indicate a degree of translational excitation as well, consistent with rapid I2 bond dissociation in a bent complex. Another product channel active in the gas phase complex that forms molecular iodine was identified from measurements of kinetic energy release in the I2 fragment. The reaction mechanism is pictured as a charge-recombination step in the initially excited charge-transfer state, yielding I2(X 1Σg+) and C6H6(ã 3B1u). Comparisons are made to corresponding observations for arene-I2 species in the condensed phase.