The pion charge-exchange probability in hydrogen for stopped ${\mathrm{\pi }}^{\mathrm{-}}$ has been measured for a series of alcohols. The relative atomic capture probabilities for hydrogen in different chemical environments as well as for the other molecular constituents were extracted from the data using a phenomenological approach. The results allow the prediction of the charge-exchange probability in other molecules of similar chemical structure. The charge-exchange probability in deuterated methanols was measured and compared to the prediction of our model. A comprehensive picture is obtained if pion transfer from hydrogen to deuterium is included.

• Received 21 February 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.44.103