SINGLE-CHARGE TRANSFER-REACTIONS OF THE GROUND AND METASTABLE STATES OF XE2+ AT 300-K

Measurements are reported of the reactions of the ground (3P) and metastable electronically excited (1D2 and 1S0) states of Xe2+ ions with several atoms (Ar and Xe) and molecules (H2, N2, O2 and CO 2) at 300K. The data were obtained using a selected-ion-flow-tube (SIFT) apparatus. State selection was achieved by introducing suitable 'chemical-filter' gases into the flow tube. The rate coefficients for the reactions with the molecules were large with the exception of some of the reactions of the 1S0 state. Conversely, the atom reactions were generally slow except for the 3P state reaction with Ar in which a favourable pseudo-energy resonance must occur. All the molecular reactions proceeded via single-charge transfer and in the 1D 2 reactions with molecules, dissociation of the product ion was usually observed.