Structural rearrangements and fragmentation pathways induced by a low-energy electron attachment to ethyl acetate

Abstract

Exploring the molecular fragmentation dynamics induced by low-energy electrons offers compelling insights into the complex interplay between the projectile and target. In this study, we investigate the phenomenon of dissociative electron attachment to ethyl acetate. The recorded yields of various fragment anions within an incident electron energy range of 1 to 13 eV reveal a diverse array of products with six different mass numbers. Examples include (M$-$H)$^-$, CH$_3^-$, C$_2$H$_5$O$^-$, CH$_3$CO$^-$, CH$_2$CHO$^-$, and CH$_3$COO$^-$, formed through the fracture of single bonds. Interestingly, the generation of other fragments, such as HCCO$^-$, suggests a more intricate structural rearrangement of the nuclei, adding a layer of complexity to the observed dissociation dynamics.