Ultrafast dynamics of acetone–water clusters: the influence of solvation

Abstract The ultrafast dynamics of acetone clusters and mixed clusters of acetone and water have been investigated using the pump-probe technique employing a femtosecond laser system coupled to a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Studies using an excitation wavelength of 407 nm have revealed that solvation by both acetone and water molecules has a pronounced influence on the dynamics of acetone excited to the 5d Rydberg state. The lifetime of the excited acetone moiety was found to increase substantially from