Abstract

Vibrational energy dynamics and residence times in fundamental modes of condensed-phase molecules must somehow play a role in bond-breaking physical and chemical processes. Since certain functional groups of molecules are more reactive than others, it seems necessary to compare, as a first step, the vibrational lifetimes (T₁) of a specific group in a variety of molecules and chemical environments. One would also like to know whether structural or other vibrational properties of a molecule determine a particular functional group's reactivity.

© 1986 Optical Society of America