Exploring insertion reaction dynamics:: A case study of S(1D)+D2→SD+D

The Doppler-selected time-of-flight method was applied to map out the differential cross section of the title reaction at a collision energy of 5.3 kcal/mol. The angular distribution is highly forward/backward peaking with very slight asymmetry in favor of the forward direction. Vibrational structures of the SD product are resolved in the angle-specific translational energy distribution. A strong coupling between the product angular and speed distributions is found. Phase-space theory gives a fair description about the product translational energy distribution, though significant discrepancies are noted for angular and angle-specific speed distributions. Possible reasons are given, which consequently suggest ways for further theoretical investigation.