Electron transfer in alkali atom CH3NO2 collisions

Vibrational and electronic excitations in alkali metal atom-nitromethane collisions at relative energies of 40–160 eV have been observed. The inelastic processes observed are similar to those seen in the analogous alkyl halide systems and are interpreted via a similar sequential electron capture and recapture mechanism. The dynamics are determined by the molecular orbital into which capture occurs with the excited state corresponding to capture into the σ* orbital rather than the lowest unoccupied orbital (π*) dominating the dynamics.