Photodissociation of ICN at the liquid/vapor interface of chloroform

The photodissociation of ICN initially adsorbed at the liquid/vapor interface of chloroform is studied using classical molecular dynamics computer simulations. The photodissociation and subsequent geminate recombination on the ground state of ICN is compared with the same reaction in the bulk liquid. We find that the probability for cage escape at the interface is significantly enhanced due to the possibility that one or both of the photodissociation fragments desorb into the gas phase. The desorption probability is sensitive to the initial location and orientation of the ICN. An examination of the energy disposal into these fragments provides additional information about the competition between geminate recombination and cage escape at the interface. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.