O(3P) reactions with small alkenes adsorbed on Rh, Au, and ice

Using molecular beams, we studied the reaction of O(3P) with 1- and 2-butene on the surface of Rh(1 1 1) and ice, and propene on the surface of Au(1 1 1), in vacuum at cryogenic temperatures. Unlike in the gas phase, and similar to reactions in the condensed phase, only the oxygen addition products were observed. The surface serves as a sink for the excess energy of this highly exoergic process, stabilizing the adduct product channels.