NASCENT ROTATIONAL QUANTUM STATE DISTRIBUTION OF NAH (NAD) FROM THE REACTION OF NA-STAR(4(2)P) WITH H-2, D2, AND HD

The nascent rotational quantum state distributions of NaH and NaD products resulting from the reactions of Na*(4 2P(j)) with H-2, D2, and HD have been determined using the laser pump-probe technique. We have observed a bimodal rotational distribution with a minor component peaking at low J and a major component peaking at high J. We have observed no evidence for a kinematic isotope effect on the product distribution. Our results are consistent with a model wherein the reaction occurs predominantly on the attractive B-2(2) potential energy surface in near C2-upsilon geometry with the rotational distribution being determined late in the exit channel.