The O + NH3reaction: A review

Abstract

AbstractExperimental data for the reaction of O atoms with NH3have been reviewed with particular attention to the possible effects of secondary reactions on the deduced rate coefficient. A reaction mechanism was assembled and computer calculations carried out to simulate several sets of experiments. The sensitivity of the calculations to uncertainties in the various rate coefficients was assessed. Transition‐state theory calculations were carried out on the rate coefficientk1for the O + NH3→ OH + NH2reaction. These studies suggest that the reaction stoichiometry is dependent on temperature, initial reagent ratios, and extent of reaction; that available data are not sufficient to determine whether the initial step is H‐atom abstraction (producing OH and NH2radicals) or O‐atom addition (producing an NH3O* complex): and that the low temperature values ofk1(T⩽ 400 K) are not consistent with values deduced at higher temperatures if the reaction proceeds by H‐atom abstraction. Taking all the evidence into account, it is recommended that the expression 1.1 × 103T2.1exp(−2620/T) L mol−1s−1be used fork1until more definitive experimental measurements are made at low temperatures.