Carbon K-shell excitation spectra of linear and branched alkanes

The electron energy loss spectra of ethane, propane, n-butane, n-pentane, n-hexane, isobutane, isopentane and neopentane in the region of carbon K-shell excitation have been recorded under dipole-dominated conditions (2.8 ke V impact energy, small angle). The spectra are dominated by transitions to unoccupied valence π∗(CH2, CH3) and σ∗(C-C) levels. Additional weak features are assigned to Rydberg transitions. The position of the main continuum …