Abstract

Clusters comprise an interesting environment for the study of chemical reactions. Binary cluster complexes can be produced which combine a variety of potential reactant partners in various proportions in an intimate, yet controlled arrangement. Molecules or ions within such a cluster (i.e. solvated) have properties which are intermediate between those of isolated species and of species in solution or in bulk. Furthermore as the cluster size increases their properties may smoothly change until the condensed-phase regime is reached. But, since clusters are generated and interrogated in the gas phase, powerful techniques such as mass spectrometry may be used for characterization. Such clusters may then represent model environments which simulate real world situations such as aerosols or cells. Similarly, the chemistry of such clusters may also differ in significant ways from that of the isolated species.

© 1996 Optical Society of America