# Untangling the Energetics and Dynamics of Elementary Reactions of Silylidyne (SiH) Radicals and their Role in the Gas Phase Formation of Exotic Silicon Heterocycles

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Hawaii (HI) · $470,000

## Abstract

Professor Ralf I. Kaiser at the University of Hawaii is investigating experimentally the reactions of the simplest silicon-containing radicals silylidyne with key classes of cyclic hydrocarbons along with their nitrogen-substituted counterparts to unravel the chemical dynamics involved in the formation of bicyclic silicon-bearing molecules in the gas phase. These experiments are exceptionally challenging considering the sensitivity of organosilicon species to air, short lifetimes, and the tendency to form dimers thus classifying (bi)cyclic organosilicon species as one of the least explored classes of organosilicon molecules. Professor Kaiser and his students will unravel the energy-dependent chemical dynamics of bimolecular reactions under single collision conditions utilizing an ultra-clean crossed molecular beam setup equipped with an angular resolved time-of-flight mass spectrometer detector, hard and soft electron impact ionization, and laser induced fluorescence detection. The experimental results will be integrated with ab initio and quasi classical trajectory calculations to provide basic insights on the chemical dynamics of reactive systems forming silicon heterocyclic organic molecules. These studies will advance the fundamental understanding of chemical bonding, reactivity, and electronic structure of silicon-bearing molecules, and their role in the chemistry of the interstellar medium. This project will integrate research along with training and outreach activities

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2538802
- **Awardee organization:** University of Hawaii (HI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NSCKLFSSABF2
- **PI:** Ralf I Kaiser
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CDS&E, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE & ENGING
- **Estimated total:** $470,000
- **Funds obligated:** $470,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2026 → 05/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2538802

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2538802, Untangling the Energetics and Dynamics of Elementary Reactions of Silylidyne (SiH) Radicals and their Role in the Gas Phase Formation of Exotic Silicon Heterocycles. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2538802. Licensed CC0.

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