Electron impact ionization cross-section of some organic compounds

The total ionization cross-section is computed for methane, ethane and their halogen derivatives using mean molecular polarizability, αM. The dependence of ionization cross-section on mean molecular polarizability is discussed. The additivity of cross-section of different bonds in a molecule is also discussed. The method has the advantage of estimating total ionization cross-section for molecules whose αM is not known. This is illustrated for carbon tetra chloride. (author). 9 refs, 4 figs, 2 tabs