Ab initio studies on photochemical reactions of Al atoms with H2 molecules

Potential energy surfaces are computed for the five lowest electronic states of the Al + H₂ system in its symmetric nuclear arrangement. Mechanisms of photochemical reactions of Al atoms with H₂ molecules are proposed, based on the calculated potential energy surfaces. The insertion reaction of the ground-state Al atom into the H₂ molecule is difficult under normal conditions. However, photoexcited Al atoms are capable of reacting with H₂ molecules along different pathways. The results obtained are consistent with experimental findings. The potential energy profiles of the dissociation reaction, AlH₂ → AlH + H, are traced by employing the UMP2 energy gradient method. Photocexcited Al atoms react with H₂ molecules along the 2 ²A₁ state pathway, and the AlH₂(²Σ_g⁺) formed dissociates easily into AlH(¹Σ) and H(²S). The dissociation reaction of ground-state AlH₂ is difficult.