Absolute Photoionization Cross Section of Alpha-pinene

The absolute photoionization cross section of the monoterpenoid, Alpha-pinene, is presented for the first time as well as the partial cross sections of dissociative fragments. Experiments are performed via multiplexed vacuum ultra-violet (VUV) synchrotron photoionization mass spectrometry in the 8.0 – 11 eV energy range. Experimental work is conducted at the Advanced Light Source at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This work is important in quantification of fuel reaction products in photoionization mass spectrometry as well as quantitative kinetic modeling in this biofuel combustion candidate. Experimental appearance energies of dissociative fragments are compared to the CBS-QB3 level of theory to determine potential dissociative pathways