Mode-specific energy disposal in the four-atom reaction OH+D-2 -> HOD+D

Experiments, employing crossed molecular beams, with vibrational state reso lution have been performed on the simplest four-atom reaction, OH + D-2 --> HOD + D. In good agreement with the most recent quantum scattering predict ions, mode-specific reaction dynamics is observed, with vibration in the ne wly formed oxygen-deuterium bond preferentially excited to v = 2. This demo nstrates that quantum theoretical calculations, which in the past decade ha ve achieved remarkable accuracy for three-atom reactions involving three di mensions, have progressed to the point where it is now possible to accurate ly predict energy disposal in four-atom reactions involving six dimensions.