The predissociations of water ions

Experimental relative abundances of D₂O⁺, OD⁺ and D⁺ ions are given as functions of the initial energy of D₂O⁺ ions in the B?²B₂ state. The D⁺ ions are more abundant than expected on the basis of a recent theoretical model. Less kinetic energy is released in D⁺ formation than in OD⁺ formation, for the same excess energy available. It is suggested that OD⁺ formation should be modelled as a statistical reaction, whereas D⁺ formation is more specific. No detailed model can be suggested on present evidence, but it is pointed out that H₂O⁺ (B?²B₂) can be predissociated to OH⁺ by the X? state to H⁺ by the à state, as well as by repulsive states.