Magic cluster sizes of cationic and anionic sodium chloride clusters explained by statistical modeling of the complete phase space.

As one of the main components of sea salt aerosols, sodium chloride is involved in numerous atmospheric processes. Gas-phase clusters are ideal models to study fundamental physical and chemical properties of sodium chloride, which are significantly affected by the cluster size. Of particular interest are magic cluster sizes, which exhibit high intensities in mass spectra.

Size-dependent H and H formation by infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy of hydrated vanadium cations, V(HO), = 3-51.

Infrared spectra of the hydrated vanadium cation (V(HO); = 3-51) were measured in the O-H stretching region employing infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy. Spectral fingerprints, along with size-dependent fragmentation channels, were observed and rationalized by comparing to spectra simulated using density functional theory. Photodissociation leading to water loss was found for cluster sizes = 3-7, consistent with isomers featuring intact water ligands.