Product Branching Ratios for O(3P) Atom and ClO Radical Formation in the Reactions of O(1D) with Chlorinated Compounds

Abstract

Product branching ratios for the formation of O(3P) atoms and ClO radicals in the reactions of the electronically excited oxygen O(1D) atoms with chlorofluorocarbons, chloromethanes, and hydrofluoromethanes were measured at room temperature. O(3P2) atoms and ClO radicals were detected directly using the technique of vacuum ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence. The results are compared with previous investigations, and reaction mechanisms for the product branchings are discussed. Sums of the branching ratios for O(3P) atom and ClO radical formation are almost unity for O(1D) + chlorofluorocarbons, while the sums are less than unity for O(1D) + chloromethanes. Upper limit values of the O(3P) formation yield for O(1D) + H2O, D2O, and CH4 were also determined.