The x-ray absorption spectrum of the propargyl radical C3H3●

D Dorothee Schaffner (Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Würzburg 1 , D-97074 Würzburg,) T Theo Juncker von Buchwald (DTU Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark 2 , DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby,) J Jacob Pedersen (Department of Chemistry) A Andreas Rasp (Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Würzburg 1 , D-97074 Würzburg,) E Emil Karaev (Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Würzburg 1 , D-97074 Würzburg,) V Valentin von Laffert (Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Würzburg 1 , D-97074 Würzburg,) A Alessio Bruno (Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologia dei Farmaci, Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza” 4 , piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome,) M Michele Alagia (CNR - Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM), Laboratorio TASC 5 , I-34149 Trieste,) S Stefano Stranges (Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologia dei Farmaci, Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza” 4 , piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome,) I Ingo Fischer (Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Würzburg 1 , D-97074 Würzburg,) S Sonia Coriani (Department of Chemistry)

Abstract

We report a combined experimental and computational study of the near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectrum of the propargyl radical, C3H3●. As a central intermediate in the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the propargyl radical is a species of considerable relevance in combustion and astrochemistry and was here generated by pyrolysis from propargyl bromide. The NEXAFS spectrum shows a pronounced band at 282.2 eV corresponding to transitions from carbon 1s orbitals to singly occupied molecular orbitals. Ab initio calculations reveal that two transitions to the lowest-lying states 1 A12 and 2 A12, which take place from the C1s orbital of the two terminal carbon atoms, contribute to this band. In addition, a 420 meV spacing of the first band is visible and is assigned to a vibrational progression in the symmetric CH2 stretch. Transitions at higher energies are also described reasonably well by theory. The fragmentation pattern was investigated at the different resonant transitions and shows the cleavage of one as well as both C–C bonds.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 164, Issue 24
Published June 28, 2026
ISSN 0021-9606
Publisher American Institute of Physics

Journal Info

The Journal of Chemical Physics

American Institute of Physics

ISSN: 0021-9606 Physical Sciences

Authors (11)

D

Dorothee Schaffner

Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Würzburg 1 , D-97074 Würzburg,

T

Theo Juncker von Buchwald

DTU Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark 2 , DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby,

J

Jacob Pedersen

Department of Chemistry

A

Andreas Rasp

Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Würzburg 1 , D-97074 Würzburg,

E

Emil Karaev

Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Würzburg 1 , D-97074 Würzburg,

V

Valentin von Laffert

Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Würzburg 1 , D-97074 Würzburg,

A

Alessio Bruno

Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologia dei Farmaci, Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza” 4 , piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome,

M

Michele Alagia

CNR - Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM), Laboratorio TASC 5 , I-34149 Trieste,

S

Stefano Stranges

Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologia dei Farmaci, Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza” 4 , piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome,

I

Ingo Fischer

Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Würzburg 1 , D-97074 Würzburg,

S

Sonia Coriani

Department of Chemistry