The spin population difference of hydrogen atoms dissociated from mercury hydride molecules

The spin population difference between m(s) = 1/2 and - 1/2, (m(alpha) - m(beta))(t) of the hydrogen atoms dissociated from the mercury hydride molecules is calculated as a function of time for the reaction of Hg* + H-2 in a magnetic field. Starting from zero value, the population difference increases to a certain limit that is equal to the room temperature population difference. The H/D electron spin resonance (ESR) signal ratio obtained from the isotopic experiment, Hg* + H-2/D-2, is also explained by comparing the ratio of (m(alpha) - m(beta))(H)(t) and (m(alpha) - m(beta))(D)(t). The isotopic effect is interpreted to originate mostly from spin-rotation constant energies of mercury hydride molecules. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.