Valence double ionization electron spectra of CH3F, CH3Cl and CH3I

Abstract Valence double ionization electron spectra of the methyl fluoride, methyl chloride, and methyl iodide molecules have been recorded using a time-of-flight photoelectron-photoelectron coincidence technique. The spectra are interpreted by comparison with existing ionization data, Auger spectra, and theoretical calculations. The lowest double ionization energies have been found to be around 35.0 eV, 30.6 eV, and 26.67 eV for CH 3 F, CH 3 Cl and CH 3 I, respectively. These energies are also compared with the predictions and implications of an empirical rule for the lowest double ionization energy in molecules.