The reaction of ethane with atomic oxygen at T=600–1030 K

Abstract

The kinetic coefficients of the reaction of C2H6 with O have been measured directly over a wide temperature range (595–1030K) using the discharge-flow technique. Molecular beam sampling and mass spectrometric analysis were applied to monitor stable species as well as atoms and radicals. Rate data were obtained at large excess O resulting in a pseudo-first-order decay of C2H6, free from interference by secondary reactions. Corrections were made for effects arising from a not entirely uniform temperature profile and from pressure gradients. The results for T=600–1030 K yield a linear Arrhenius plot that is described by the expression: k1=(1.9±0.8)X1014exp(-(9550±315) cal/RT)cm3/mole.s. A combination with lower-temperature literature data indicates non-Arrhenius behaviour. The C2H5 radical was identified as the major reaction product.