A complete look at a multiple pathway reaction: The reaction of O(D-1) with ethane

The O(D-1) atom reaction with ethane has been investigated using crossed mo lecular beam techniques. Four different reaction channels have been observe d. Distinctive product angular distributions have also been observed for th ese reaction channels, indicating these reaction channels proceed via diffe rent dynamical pathways. These detailed experimental investigations provide a full dynamical picture of this reaction and also an important link betwe en chemical reaction dynamics and kinetics studies. The experimental result s presented here also provide an excellent test ground for developing quant itative theoretical understandings of multiple channel reaction dynamics fo r this interesting reaction. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.