Exploring HBr Ionization at the Molecular Level

Cluster techniques and femtosecond spectroscopy has been used in a recent study to elucidate the mechanism of HBr dissolution and ionization. Complete dissolution is achieved by a cluster of five water molecules, while photoinduced electric excitation is necessary in clusters of four water molecules. The findings are in good agreement with ab initio results which propose that total dissolution can be achieved in clusters of four water molecules (see structure).