ABSTRACT
Despite their broad implications for phenomena such as molecular bonding or chemical reactions, our knowledge of multi-electron dynamics is limited and their theoretical modelling remains a most difficult task. From the experimental side, it is highly desirable to study the dynamical evolution and interaction of the electrons over the relevant timescales, which extend into the attosecond regime. Here we use near-single-cycle laser pulses with well-defined electric field evolution to confine the double ionization of argon atoms to a single laser cycle. The measured two-electron momentum spectra, which substantially differ from spectra recorded in all previous experiments using longer pulses, allow us to trace the correlated emission of the two electrons on sub-femtosecond timescales. The experimental results, which are discussed in terms of a semiclassical model, provide strong constraints for the development of theories and lead us to revise common assumptions about the mechanism that governs double ionization.
ABSTRACT
Unique 1-[2H,5H-dihydrofur-3-yl]ketones have been synthesized from propargylic nitroethers via intramolecular cycloadditions involving silyl nitronates. Various substituent groups were placed on the 2 and 5 positions of the dihydrofuran rings. We examined the scope of the long-range coupling in proton NMR of the oxo-dihydrofuran products. The identities of the diastereomers resulting from the Michael Addition/cycloaddition reactions were tentatively assigned for the first time. CAChe MNDO PM5 and CONFLEX programs were engaged to assist with the identification of these stereoisomers. The reaction times and conditions for these oxo-dihydrofurans were found to be different than that of the published dihydrofuranals, which led us to propose a different mechanism.
