The reaction dynamics of sodium with ozone

The reaction of sodium atoms (Na) with ozone (O₃) has been studied using crossed molecular beams at a collision energy of 18 kcal/mole. The only product observed was NaO. The reaction occurs via an electron-transfer mechanism that yields NaO which is forward scattered with respect to the sodium beam. The translational energy distribution peaks near the forward stripping limit but extends out to the maximum allowed by energy conservation. The fragmentation ratio of NaO upon electron bombardment ionization I(NaO⁺)/[I(NaO⁺)+I(Na⁺)] as a function of product translational energy has been measured for an electron energy of 200 V.