A qualitative quantum correction for a dissociative reaction rate by an effective potential method

The quantum correction due to the tunneling effect in the Arrhenius relatio n is discussed for dissociative reactions. The effective potential approach based on Feynman's path integral technique is applied to the Morse interat omic potential systems, which describe dissociation in chemical reaction pr ocesses where the effective dissociation energy D-eff is temperature-depend ent. The numerical calculations improve the results compared with conventio nal Arrhenius plots. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.