Hennig, CarstenCarstenHennigSchmatz, StefanStefanSchmatz2018-11-072018-11-072015https://resolver.sub.uni-goettingen.de/purl?gro-2/38327A nearside/farside analysis of differential cross sections has been performed for the complex-forming S(N)2 reaction Cl- + CH3Br -> ClCH3 + Br-. It is shown that for low rotational quantum numbers a direct "nearside' reaction mechanism plays an important role and leads to anisotropic differential cross sections. For high rotational quantum numbers, indirect mechanisms via a long-lived intermediate complex are prevalent (independent of a nearside/farside configuration), leading to isotropic cross sections. Quantum mechanical interference can be significant at specific energies or angles. Averaging over energies and angles reveals that the nearside/farside decomposition in a semiclassical interpretation can reasonably account for the analysis of the reaction mechanism.journal_article10.1039/c5cp04312c26394182000362679300022https://resolver.sub.uni-goettingen.de/purl?gs-1/12575openAccess