Momentum distributions and binding energies for the valence orbitals of methanol

Abstract

Methanol (CH3OH) has been studied by binary (e, 2e) coincidence spectroscopy at 1200 eV using symmetric non-coplanar geometry. The binding energy spectrum has been determined in the energy range up to 46 eV at azimuthal angles of 0° and 7°. Momentum distributions measured for the valence orbitals are compared with calculations using the wavefunctions (essentially double-zeta quality) reported by Snyder and Basch. Agreement is generally quite good except for the outermost orbitals (2a″ and 7a′) and the 5a′ orbital which all show somewhat larger low momentum components than predicted by the calculations. This is indicative of a more spatially extended orbital than is predicted. Show more