Reactive Resonance in a Polyatomic Reaction

In the course of an extensive investigation aimed at understanding the detailed mechanisms of a prototypical polyatomic reaction, several remarkable observations were uncovered. To interpret these findings, we surmise the existence of a reactive resonance in this polyatomic reaction. The reaction of concern is F+CH₄→HF+CH₃, and the abnormal attributes were revealed only near the reaction threshold. The discovery of reactive resonance in a polyatomic reaction is more than just an extension from a typical atom+diatom reaction. As shown here, it holds great promise to disentangle the elusive intramolecular vibrational dynamics of transient collision complex in the critical transition-state region.