Spectroscopy and chemical dynamics of group II metal ion-formaldehyde complexes

This review focuses on the spectroscopy and chemical dynamics of bimolecular complexes of group II metal ions with formaldehyde using mass resolved photodissociation spectroscopy techniques. Photodissociation spectroscopy of isolated metal ion-molecule complexes gives quantitative information about the structure and bonding of the complex, and valuable insight into the electronic nonadiabatic interactions that determine the reaction pathways and energy partitioning. The experimental techniques of photodissociation spectroscopy are briefly reviewed. Results from several experiments are then discussed including the photodissociation of Mg+-, Ca+-, and Zn+-based complexes with formaldehyde. Despite the similarities in valence electronic structure for these metal ions, the spectroscopy and quenching dynamics show remarkable differences. We also compare results with the photodissociation spectroscopy of Mg+-acetaldehyde where additional chemical reaction channels are accessible.