Dissociation dynamics in chloroform molecule induced by ion impact

Abstract The ion impact multiple ionization and subsequent dissociation of Chloroform (CHCl3) is investigated with Ar7+ ion beam having an energy of 1 MeV. Using a linear time of flight mass spectrometer coupled with a position sensitive detector, complete as well as incomplete Coulomb explosion pathways for C H C l 3 2 + and C H C l 3 3 + ions are identified and studied. Possible modes of fragmentation pathway for all the identified channels are investigated with the help of kinetic energy release and momentum distributions of fragmented ions. Although concerted fragmentation is the most dominant pathway within the identified channels, we have discussed the possibilities of sequential processes which may occur. A positive slope between the coincidence partners of H+ and C+ probably features sequentiality in the breakup dynamics but remain inconclusive due to lack of complete information. Formation of C l 2 + from the doubly charged C H C l 3 2 + is a direct evidence of bond rearrangement reaction following a structural change during charge separation.