Fundamental studies in isotope chemistry. Progress report, 1 October 1980-1 August 1981

The current program, as in the past, utilizes theoretical advances made specifically with respect to isotope chemistry in the study of the structure of matter. Experimental investigation using isotope effects provides a unique tool for the determination of the mean square force on an atom in a molecule and how it is affected by intermolecular forces. We have completed the systematic study of the isotope chemistry of hydrogen. Studies have been made of the isotopic reduced partition function ratio, (s/s')f, of thirty-nine diatomic and nineteen polyatomic hydrides. It encompasses compounds of hydrogen with every element in each row and each column of the periodic table. This progress report also includes a description of our final design for sampling a cryogenic liquid. Such a sampler is necessary if we are to realize the full potential of the isotopic fractionation method to study the mean square forces and torques in polyatomic liquids