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Electron Loss and Dissociation Pathways of a Complex Dicarboxylate Dianion: EDTA2–

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Photoelectron imaging of the doubly deprotonated ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dianion (EDTA 2– ) at variable wavelengths indicates two electron loss pathways: direct detachment and thermionic emission from monoanions. The structure of EDTA 2– is also investigated by electronic structure calculations, which indicate that EDTA 2– has two intramolecular hydrogen bonds linking a carboxylate and carboxylic acid group at either end of the molecular backbone. The direct detachment feature in the photoelectron spectrum is very broad and provides evidence for a dissociative photodetachment, where decarboxylation occurs rapidly after electron loss. Near 0 eV kinetic energy electrons are only observed in the photoelectron spectrum of EDTA 2– at h ν = 3.49 eV (high laser fluence), providing evidence for secondary electron loss via a two–photon process, mediated by an excited state of the decarboxylated anion, and likely resulting in a cyclic neutral product.

Source: The Journal of Physical Chemistry A

DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.4c06679

Author: Jemma A. Gibbard

Institution: Durham University

Language: English

Topic: Atomic and Molecular Physics

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Royal Society

Award: G793273935