Knowledge Bank

Vibrational predissoclation spectra of masa-selected $Cs+(MeOH)nn=1-16$ and $Cs+(EtOH)m\prime m-1-12$ solvated ion clusters have been observed by exciting the CO stretching mode of the solvent molecules in the $9.6\mu$ range. The solvated ions are produced by combining a thermlontc Cs ion source and supersonic nozzle. From the spectral dependence on the solvent number surrounding the Cs ion, we have observed the formation of solvation shells. Ten MeOH or six EtOH molecules are required to complete the first solvation shell around the Cs ion in the gas phase. The relationship between neutral methanol and ethanol clusters and the solvated cesium ions will be discussed.