Product translational energy distributions from the harmonic model for unimolecular decomposition

Abstract

Formulae for the distribution of relative translational energy of products from decomposition of collision complexes are derived from the Slater model of unimolecular rate theory. The development presented parallels the statistical transition state theory (RRKM) approach. Although a similar form of the energy distribution is found, the identical result is obtained in the classical limit only for the special case of a ‘loose’ complex configuration at the critical point.