CHEMICAL KINETICS OF GAS-PHASE REACTIONS

Research is aimed at the quantitative determination  of rate constants and reaction mechanisms in the gas phase.  Experimental methodologies include atom and free-radical resonance-fluorescence and absorption techniques coupled to flash/laser photolysis.  A major focus has been on studies of reactions that are pertinent to the understanding of both natural and perturbed atmospheres.  There has been a growing emphasis on the incorporation of theoretical calculations as an integral part of the experimental program.  In this way, we are developing a deeper understanding of the reactivity of radicals toward molecules and at the same time, creating more powerful predictive tools for estimation reactivity.  These theoretical tools are also essential for the elucidation of mechanistic details of the elementary reactions, which make up complex chemical systems.