MOLECULES IN HIGH RYDBERG STATES

The unusual properties of high molecular Rydberg states with principal quantum number n much greater than 100 have enabled the development o f new research tools for the study of molecules and ions in the gas ph ase. These tools range from spectroscopic techniques such as zero kine tic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy and mass-analyzed thresho ld ionization (MATI) spectroscopy to techniques that are suited to the investigation of photodissociation processes, bimolecular reactions, and state-selected ion-molecule reactions. This review summarizes rece nt progress in the understanding of the properties of high molecular R ydberg states and gives an overview of recent chemical applications of these states.