Abstract
Nuclear molecules, which briefly form when nucleons from slowly colliding nuclei move under the influence of both nuclei, offer insight into reaction dynamics. Molecular single-particle states of protons and neutrons in the approach phase of the 40 Ca + 208 Pb collision are calculated using the two-center shell model, allowing us to understand nu-cleon excitations and transfers that may occur before the nuclei reach their touching configuration. Molecular single-particle spectra show that while protons in 208 Pb exhibit excitations, neutrons transfer from 208 Pb to 40 Ca, producing neutron-rich calcium isotopes.