Reactions of O(1D) with hydrocarbon monomers and clusters were investi
gated via a cross molecular beam experiment applying laser induced flu
orescence for the detection of the OH product. The translational, vibr
ational, rotational, spin-orbit, and A-doubling state populations were
analyzed. Based on this information the mechanisms for the reactions
of O(1D) with methane, propane, and their clusters were established. N
onstatistical distributions are observed even for the reaction of larg
e clusters and are discussed in terms of nonadiabatic effects induced
by the long lived collision complex.