Dynamical stereochemistry of bimolecular reactions

Abstract

Dynamical stereochemistry is the study of how chemical reactivity depends on the angle of approach of reagents to one another: the ‘chemical shape’ of molecules. This chemical shape has profound effects in a number of branches of chemistry, and current experimental and theoretical approaches to understanding dynamical stereochemistry are discussed. The experimental strategies employed have become very diverse in recent years and novel techniques are described, together with the limitations inherent in a number of experimental methods. Simple models for interpreting experimental data are discussed as are the results of more rigorous potential-energy surface and scattering calculations. The level of detail that can be achieved in understanding reaction dynamics and dynamical stereochemistry is illustrated for the reaction of chlorine atoms with methane.