Stripping dynamics in the reactions of electronically excited carbon atoms, C(1D), with ethylene and propylene—production of propargyl and methylpropargyl radicals

Abstract

The reactions of electronically excited carbon atoms, C(1D), with ethylene and propylene were studied at three collision energies between 48 and 104 kJmol−1 employing the crossed molecular beam technique. Forward-convolution fitting of our data combined with electronic structure calculations suggests that the reactions proceed via stripping dynamics. Extremely short-lived allene and 1,2-butadiene intermediates decompose via atomic hydrogen emission to yield propargyl and methylpropargyl radicals, respectively. These production routes are of potential importance to form benzene, toluene, and o-/p-xylenes in circumstellar envelopes of carbon stars and combustion flames.