Molecular rearrangement of aniline in femtosecond radiation

In this work we investigate the interaction of aniline in the gas phase with 50 fs pulses of radiation at a wavelength of 800 nm. Ion yields were measured using a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer that avoids spatial averaging by collecting ion from a micrometer-sized volume within the focal region. This measuring technique allows for accurate measurements and quantification of relative ion yields at a well-defined intensity. Our results show the production of benzene C₆H₆ ions from the interaction of aniline C₆H₇N with femtosecond radiation. Quantum chemical calculation reveal an unusual reaction pathway for this molecular rearrangement. Lastly metastable ions are observed in the spectrum and their precursors are investigated. (paper)