Crossed-beam dc slice imaging studies of Cl($^{2}$P$_{3/2})$ reactions with n-pentane, isopentane, and neopentane

The interaction of chlorine with hydrocarbons has become an important aid in understanding the chemistry in combustion, atmospheric, and marine environments. Here, we present a systematic study of the reactions of ground state Cl($^{2}$P$_{3/2})$ atoms with n-pentane, isopentane, and neopentane. The reactions are studied using crossed molecular beam and dc slice ion imaging techniques. The product alkyl radical $m/z$ = 71 were detected \textit{via} single photon ionization at 157 nm. Center-of-mass translational energy and angular distributions were directly obtained from the images. Product angular distributions showed backward scattering and that most of the available energy ($\sim $50-75{\%}) are partitioned among the products.