The photoisomerization mechanism of azobenzene: a semiclassical simulation of nonadiabatic dynamics

We have simulated the photoisomerization dynamics of azobenzene, taking into account internal conversion and geometrical relaxation processes, by means of a semiclassical surface hopping approach. Both n-->pi* and pi-->pi* excitations and both cis-->trans and trans-->cis conversions have been considered. We show that in all cases the torsion around the N==N double bond is the preferred mechanism. The quantum yields measured are correctly reproduced and the observed differences are explained as a result of the competition between the inertia of the torsional motion and the premature deactivation of the excited state. Recent time-resolved spectroscopic experiments are interpreted in the light of the simulated dynamics.     

Watching photoinduced chemistry and molecular energy flow in solution in real time

Energized molecules are the essential actors in chemical transformations in solution. As the rearrangement of bonds requires a movement of nuclei, vibrational energy is often the driving force for a reaction. Vibrational energy can be redistributed within the "hot" molecule, or relaxation can occur when molecules interact. Both processes govern the rates, pathways, and quantum yields of chemical transformations in solution. Unfortunately, energy transfer and the breaking, formation, and rearrangement of bonds take place on ultrafast timescales. This Review highlights experimental approaches for the direct, ultrafast measurement of photoinduced femtochemistry and energy flow in solution. In the first part of this Review, we summarize recent experiments on intra- and intermolecular energy transfer. The second part discusses photoinduced decomposition of large organic peroxides, which are used as initiators in free radical polymerization. The mechanisms and timescales of their decarboxylation determine the initial steps of polymerization and the microstructure of the polymer product.     

Structure formation and dynamics of water in strong external electric fields

We have performed molecular dynamics computer simulations of water in homogeneous external electric fields which were varied in a wide range of field strengths. The dielectric response is found to be linear up to fields E₀≈0.01 V/Å from where dielectric saturation effects become important. At fields of E₀≈3 V/Å a phase transition into an ordered, ice-like structure is observed, which is stabilized through hydrogen-bonds. With an increasing external electric field, the frequency spectrum of the water dynamics shows a remarkable red shift of the intramolecular modes and a blue shift of the librational motions, where the frequency varies quadratically with the field strength. A simple analytical model is discussed which reproduces the observed behavior.     

Molecular potential-energy surfaces for chemical reaction dynamics

This paper reviews the construction of molecular potential-energy surfaces by an interpolation method which has been developed over the last several years. The method uses ab initio quantum chemistry calculations of the molecular electronic energy in an automated procedure to construct global potential- energy surfaces which can be used to simulate chemical reactions with either classical or quantum dynamics. The methodology is explained and several applications are presented to illustrate the approach. Received: 22 February 2002 / Accepted: 2 May 2002 / Published online: 6 November 2002 Correspondence to: M. A. Collins e-mail: collins@rsc.anu.edu.au Acknowledgements. The methods described in this overview are the result of collaborations with former members of my group, in particular with Josef Ischtwan, Meredith Jordon, Keiran Thompson and Ryan Bettens. I am also indebted for inspiration gained from many discussions with my colleagues Leo Radom and Donghui Zhang (National University of Singapore). This work has been supported by the Supercomputer Facility of the Australian National University and the Australian Partnership for Advanced Computing.     

Si4+Si3反应动力学：振动激发态对反应的影响

用准经典轨线方法研究了处于振动激发态的硅原子团簇与硅原子团簇碰撞的反应动力学，计算表明，对于Ｓｉ４＋Ｓｉ３反应，当反应物团簇处于振动激发态时，有利于生成更小团簇的碎片，而对生成Ｓｉ６＋Ｓｉ及Ｓｉ５＋Ｓｉ２的影响不大。     

Exploration on regulating factors for proton transfer along hydrogen-bonded water chains.

Proton transfer along a single-file hydrogen-bonded water chain is elucidated with a special emphasis on the investigation of chain length, side water, and solvent effects, as well as the temperature and pressure dependences. The number of water molecules in the chain varies from one to nine. The proton can be transported to the acceptor fragment through the single-file hydrogen-bonded water wire which contains at most five water molecules. If the number of water molecule is more than five, the proton is trapped by the chain in the hydroxyl-centered H(7)O(3) (+) state. The farthest water molecule involved in the formation of H(7)O(3) (+) is the fifth one away from the donor fragment. These phenomena reappear in the molecular dynamics simulations. The energy of the system is reduced along with the proton conduction. The proton transfer mechanism can be altered by excess proton. The augmentation of the solvent dielectric constant weakens the stability of the system, but favors the proton transfer. NMR spin-spin coupling constants can be used as a criterion in judging whether the proton is transferred or not. The enhancement of temperature increases the thermal motion of the molecule, augments the internal energy of the system, and favors the proton transfer. The lengthening of the water wire increases the entropy of the system, concomitantly, the temperature dependence of the Gibbs free energy increases. The most favorable condition for the proton transfer along the H-bonded water wire is the four-water contained chain with side water attached near to the acceptor fragment in polar solvent under higher temperature.     

固液相变的分子动力学研究Ⅰ─—(KI)_(108)离子簇的熔化和凝固(英)

通过分子动力学模拟，考查并分析了（KI）108离子簇的结构、能量和相变的动力学行为．在加热和冷却过程中，离子簇再现了熔化和凝固现象，而且熔化起始于立方体的其一顶点，熔化的离子簇不是球形的，说明了离子簇的非湿特征．根据结晶的成核速率，讨论了电子衍射实验中观察KI凝固的可能性     

Adsorption of water molecules in slit pores

We report molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on the adsorption of water in attractive and repulsive slit pores, where the slit and a bulk region are in contact with each other. Water structure, surface force and adsorption behavior are investigated as a function of the overall density in the bulk region. The gas–liquid transition in both types of pores occurs at similar densities of the bulk region.