Correlations between dynamical properties and features of potential energy surfaces for the light atom transfer reactions O+HCl→OH+Cl AND Cl+HCl→ClH+Cl

A three-dimensional quasiclassical trajectory study of the dynamics of the light atom transfer reaction O(³P) + HCl(ν=0)→ OH + Cl was carried out employing two LEPS potential energy surfaces (I and II). Attention was focused mainly on three-dynamical properties; the oscillatory behavior of partial cross sections as a function of collision energy; the rotational excitation of the products; and the influence of reagent rotation on reactivity. Distinct differences were found between surfaces I and II with respect to these properties. The examination of individual trajectories indicated that there is a significant difference in the nature of these surfaces. While surface I is governed by weak repulsive forces, surface II is governed by strong attractive forces which tend to direct the reactants toward a collinear geometry. The present results confirm conclusions reached from an earlier study of the reaction Cl+HCl→ClH+Cl concerning correlations between dynamical properties and features of potential energy surfaces. For surfaces of the type that we termed HREP, since they are of repulsive nature and they lead to highly rotationally excited products, no significant oscillations of partial cross sections are obtained and reagent rotation promotes the reaction. On the other hand, for surfaces of the type that we termed COLD (collinearly directing), since they tend to direct the reactants toward a collinear geometry and form rotationally “cold” products, significant oscillations of partial cross sections are obtained and reagent rotation causes a decline in reactivity.