Thermal unimolecular decomposition of formyl fluoride in Ar

Abstract

The thermal decomposition of formyl fluoride in Ar has been studied behind shock waves over the temperature range 1160–1480 K and the total density range (7.18–18.6) × 10 −6 mol cm −3. The decomposition was monitored by means of IR emission from the CH stretching of the reactant and the fundamental band of the CO produced. The decomposition was found to be molecular elimination producing HF and CO and the process proceeded in the low-pressure region under the present conditions. The second-order rate constant was expressed as k/Ar = 10 14,74 exp(−35.2 kcal mol −1/ RT) cm 3 mol −1 s −1. Applying the RRKM strong collision theory, the value of the threshold energy and the collision efficiency were discussed.