HF VAPOR

IR absorption spectroscopy of HF clusters in synchronized pulsed super sonic jet expansions and at thermal equilibrium is combined with a 1+2 +3 body decomposition scheme of the potential energy surfaces, differe nt quantum chemical approaches and multidimensional vibrational quantu m Monte Carlo calculations to characterize all major constituents (HF) (n) (n=1-8) of the strongly associated HF vapor phase in terms of thei r structure, spectra, energetics, dynamics and abundance. From this da ta base, a microscopic quantum statistical model of HF vapor up to mod erate pressures is constructed. Comparison to existing bulk thermodyna mic data confirms that the model provides a globally correct and detai led microscopic description of this unique association phenomenon toge ther with its explanation.