Interpretation of kinetic isotope effects in the decomposition of N 2O over CoO

Abstract

Nitrogen and oxygen kinetic isotope effects on the decomposition of N 2O on CoO powder, determined experimentally in the temperature range of 575–775 K and at initial N 2O pressures in the range of 40–60 kPa, were interpreted theoretically following the Bigeleisen formalism. Four models of the transition state of the rate determining step were used (linear and bent NNO, cis ONNO, and fork-type NNOO) but only a bent NNO transition state with an interbond angle of 110–140° is consistent with previous experimental data.