Solvent Dynamics and RRKM Theory of Clusters

In this chapter we consider the problem of reaction rates in clusters (microcanonical) modified by solvent dynamics. The field is a relatively new one, both experimentally and theoretically, and stems from recent work on well-defined clusters. We first review some theories and results for the solvent dynamics of reactions in constant-temperature condensed-phase systems and then describe two papers from our recent work on the adaptation to microcanonical systems. In the process we comment on a number of questions in the constant-temperature studies and consider the relation of those studies to corresponding future studies of clusters.