Abstract:
This review deals with studies on primary photoionisation and molecular decomposition processes and ion–molecule reactions in the gas phase. Problems concerning the nature of the electronic and vibrational states arising on photoionisation and their role in unimolecular and bimolecular reactions of organic compounds are discussed. Various pathways for the formation of secondary products in ion–molecule reactions have been determined. Data are presented on the energy relations of ion–molecule reactions and the proton affinities of molecules. The bibliography includes 69 references.