Energy disposal in thermal-energy charge-transfer reactions: Ar+,Kr+ and Xe+ with NH3

Abstract Thermal-energy charge-transfer reactions from the 2 P 3/2 state of Ar + , Kr + and Xe + with NH 3 are shown to be non-energy resonant: the kinetic energy released in each case has been measured, and the internal energy of the NH + 3 product ions deduced. Possible quenching of 2 P 1/2 state of rare-gas ions in ICR cells is discussed.