The molecular structures and nature of interactions in CH3+Arn(n=1-8) complexes

The CH3+Arn complexes are investigated for n up to 8. The molecular structu res, dissociation energies, and vibrational frequencies of those complexes are studied, and the nature of the interactions is discussed. All possible structural isomers were considered. The formation of clusters is based on t he consecutive filling of four distinct shells. The theoretically determine d consecutive dissociation energies are in excellent agreement with experim ental data derived from infrared photodissociation spectra and pulsed elect ron beam high-pressure mass spectrometry. The influence of an argon environ ment on the electron affinity of the CH3+ ion is also discussed. (C) 2001 A merican Institute of Physics.