Probing Quantum Dynamics of Elementary Chemical Reactions via Accurate Potential Energy Surfaces

Probing reaction potential energy surfaces is crucial for understanding chemical reaction dynamics and kinetics. The fundamental importance of the potential energy surface in understanding chemical reactivity was pointed out in the pioneering paper by Eyring and Polanyi in 1931 [1]. Accurate potential energy surfaces, however, are difficult to obtain. In the last few decades, more accurate quantum chemistry methods to calculate potential energy surfaces became available. In addition, quantum dynamics methods were also developed and allow us to study simple chemical reactions from first principles. Furthermore, modern crossed molecular beams studies provide an excellent testing ground for developing an accurate physical picture of elementary chemical reactions, through interplay between theory and experiment. In this paper, we review recent developments in the study of reaction dynamics of elementary chemical reactions through combined experimental and theoretical efforts. We will provide two examples to demonstrate the importance of accurate potential energy surfaces in understanding the essentials of reaction dynamics. One is the simplest chemical reaction: the H + H-2 reaction, the other is the benchmark system for chemical reaction resonance: the F + H-2 reaction. Through these studies, dynamics of chemical reactions can be understood at the most fundamental level.