We consider relatively simple expressions for inelastic state-to-state and state-specific dissociative rate coefficients for use in vibrational master equation studies of shock-heated CO, N2, and O2 highly dilute in Ar. Rotationally averaged inelastic rate coefficients are determined using information theory. Rotationally averaged dissociative rate coefficients are computed using an expression we developed earlier and refined in this work. The master equation is linearized by neglecting diatom-diatom collisions and recombination. This allows us to use efficient eigenvector-eigenvalue matrix techniques. We show that the information theoretic rate coefficients are easily formulated and more accurate than commonly used Schwartz, Slawsky, and Herzfeld rate coefficients; they are therefore well suited for engineering solutions of the master equation. Our master equation results indicate that the most significant contribution to dissociation comes from low- and midlying vibrational levels. In addition, we find that the omission of multiquantum transitions results in significant underpredictions of the average vibrational energy and average dissociative rate coefficient.