Multidimensional steric effect for the XeF* (B, C) formation in the oriented Xe* (3P2, MJ = 2) + oriented NF3 reaction

Abstract

Steric effect for the XeF* (B, C) formations in the oriented Xe* (³P₂, M_J = 2) + oriented NF₃ reaction has been observed as a function of the mutual configuration between the molecular orientation and the atomic orientation in the collision frame. Molecular steric opacity function has been determined as a function of the atomic orbital alignment (L_Z′) in the collision frame. The larger reactivity at the side with the smaller reactivity at the molecular axis direction is observed for the XeF* (B, C) channels at each atomic orbital alignment. A good correlation between the shape of the molecular steric opacity function and the molecular geometry of NF₃ is recognized. The L_Z′ selectivity in the molecular steric opacity function is different between the XeF* (B, C) channels; in the sideways direction, the XeF* (B) channel is favorable at L_Z′ = 0, while the XeF* (C) channel is favorable at |L_Z′| = 1. In contrast, at the molecular axis direction, the XeF* (B) channel is favorable at |L_Z′| = 1, while the XeF* (C) channel is favorable at L_Z′ = 0. We propose the collision-induced harpoon mechanism for the XeF* (B, C) formation in the Xe* (³P₂) + NF₃ reaction.