Reactions of Carbon Atoms with N2, H2, and D2 at 4.2°K

Abstract

Photochemical decomposition of matrix-isolated carbon suboxide at 4.2°K with 1470-Å light produces highly reactive carbon atoms, presumably from an observed CCO intermediate. Reactions of carbon atoms with nitrogen lead to the observation of the infrared absorptions of the NCN and CNN radicals. Attempts to form methylene in spectroscopically observable amounts by the reaction of carbon atoms with H2 or D2 in an argon matrix were unsuccessful, although its existence was inferred by the observed production of methane and ketene.