The London formula and the product vibrational state distributions of A + BC → AB + C chemical reactions

The vibrational product state distributions of a series of A + BC → AB + C chemical reactions is explained in terms of a simple analytic expression using parameters derived from a London-type formula. The importance of the energy barrier, Sato parameters in determining the vibrational state distributions of exoergic or endothermic chemical reactions is discussed. It is suggested that in many cases it is possible to make accurate predictions, regarding the outcome of a chemical reaction, solely on the basis of the spectroscopy of the separated reactants and products.