Direct observation on H-elimination enhancement from C₂H₄ through non-adiabatic process by femtosecond laser induced Coulomb explosion

Ethylene, the simplest model of a carbon-carbon double bond system, is pivotal in numerous chemical and biological processes. By employing intense infrared laser pump-probe techniques alongside coincidence measurements, we investigate the ultrafast non-adiabatic dynamics involved in the breakage of carbon-carbon double bonds and hydrogen elimination in dissociation of ethylene. Our study entails analyzing the dynamic kinetic energy release spectra to assess three bond-breaking scenarios, movements of nuclei, and structural changes around the carbon atoms. This allows us to evaluate the relaxation dynamics and characteristics of various dissociative states. Notably, we observe a significant rise in the yield of fragments resulting from C–H bond breakage with the delay time extended, suggesting non-adiabatic coupling through conical intersections from C–C bond breakage as a probable cause.