Rotationally resolved infrared spectrum of the Na(+)-D2 complex: an experimental and theoretical study.

The infrared spectrum of mass-selected Na(+)-D(2) complexes is recorded in the D-D stretch vibration region (2915-2972 cm(-1)) by detecting Na(+) photofragments resulting from photo-excitation of the complexes. Analysis of the rotationally resolved spectrum confirms a T-shaped equilibrium geometry for the complex and a vibrationally averaged intermolecular bond length of 2.461 Å. The D-D stretch band centre occurs at 2944.04 cm(-1), representing a -49.6 cm(-1) shift from the Q(1)(0) transition of the free D(2) molecule. Variational rovibrational energy level calculations are performed for Na(+)-D(2) utilising an ab initio potential energy surface developed previously for investigating the Na(+)-H(2) complex [B. L. J. Poad et al., J. Chem. Phys. 129, 184306 (2008)]. The theoretical approach predicts a dissociation energy for Na(+)-D(2) of 923 cm(-1) with respect to the Na(+)+ D(2) limit, reproduces the experimental rotational constants to within 1-2%, and gives a simulated spectrum closely matching the experimental infrared spectrum.