Laser Photolysis/laser-induced Fluorescence Research Articles

Experimental and theoretical study of the low-temperature kinetics of the reaction of CN with CH2O and implications for interstellar environments.

Rate coefficients for the reaction of CN with CH2O were measured for the first time below room temperature in the range 32-103 K using a pulsed Laval nozzle apparatus together with the Pulsed Laser Photolysis-Laser-Induced Fluorescence technique. The rate coefficients exhibited a strong negative temperature dependence, reaching (4.62 ± 0.84) × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 at 32 K, and no pressure dependence was observed at 70 K. The potential energy surface (PES) of the CN + CH2O reaction was calculated at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ//M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory, with the lowest energy channel to reaction characterized by the formation of a weakly-bound van der Waals complex, bound by 13.3 kJ mol-1, prior to two transition states with energies of -0.62 and 3.97 kJ mol-1, leading to the products HCN + HCO or HNC + HCO, respectively. For the formation of formyl cyanide, HCOCN, a large activation barrier of 32.9 kJ mol-1 was calculated. Reaction rate theory calculations were performed with the MESMER (Master Equation Solver for Multi Energy well Reactions) package on this PES to calculate rate coefficients. While this ab initio description provided good agreement with the low-temperature rate coefficients, it was not capable of describing the high-temperature experimental rate coefficients from the literature. However, increasing the energies and imaginary frequencies of both transition states allowed MESMER simulations of the rate coefficients to be in good agreement with data spanning 32-769 K. The mechanism for the reaction is the formation of a weakly-bound complex followed by quantum mechanical tunnelling through the small barrier to form HCN + HCO products. MESMER calculations showed that channel generating HNC is not important. MESMER simulated the rate coefficients from 4-1000 K which were used to recommend best-fit modified Arrhenius expressions for use in astrochemical modelling. The UMIST Rate12 (UDfa) model yielded no significant changes in the abundances of HCN, HNC, and HCO for a variety of environments upon inclusion of rate coefficients reported here. The main implication from this study is that the title reaction is not a primary formation route to the interstellar molecule formyl cyanide, HCOCN, as currently implemented in the KIDA astrochemical model.

Investigation of the Gas-Phase Reaction of Nopinone with OH Radicals: Experimental and Theoretical Study

Monoterpenes are the most essential reactive biogenic volatile organic compounds. Their removal from the atmosphere leads to the formation of oxygenated compounds, such as nopinone (C9H14O), one of the most important first-generation β-pinene oxidation products that play a pivotal role in environmental and biological applications. In this study, experimental and theoretical rate coefficients were determined for the gas-phase reaction of nopinone with hydroxyl radicals (OH). The absolute rate coefficient was measured for the first time using a cryogenically cooled cell along with the pulsed laser photolysis–laser-induced fluorescence technique at 298 K and 7 Torr. The hydrogen abstraction pathways were found by using electronic structure calculations to determine the most favourable H-abstraction position. Pathway 5 (bridgehead position) was more favourable, with a small barrier height of −1.23 kcal/mol. The rate coefficients were calculated based on the canonical variational transition state theory with the small-curvature tunnelling method (CVT/SCT) as a function of temperature. The average experimental rate coefficient (1.74 × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1) was in good agreement with the theoretical value (2.2 × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1). Conclusively, the results of this study pave the way to understand the atmospheric chemistry of nopinone with OH radicals.

Combined Experimental and Computational Kinetics Studies for the Atmospherically Important BrHg Radical Reacting with NO and O2.

We report on the first experimental determination of the absolute rate constant of the reaction of BrHg + NO in N2 bath gas using a laser photolysis-laser-induced fluorescence (LP-LIF) system. The rate constant of the reaction of BrHg + NO is determined to be 7.0-0.9+1.3 × 10-12 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 over 50-700 Torr and 315-353 K. The absence of a pressure or temperature dependence suggests that this reaction leads mainly to mercury reduction (Hg + BrNO) rather than mercury oxidation (BrHgNO). Our theoretical calculations using NEVPT2 energies on density functional theory (DFT) geometries are consistent with a barrierless reaction to form Hg + BrNO. The equilibrium constants and the rate constants of the reaction BrHg + O2 ⇌ BrHgOO are computed theoretically because they are too low to be measured in the LP-LIF system. Molecular oxygen quenches the LIF signal of BrHg with a large rate constant of (1.7 ± 0.1) × 10-10 cm3 molecule-1 s-1. Thus, different techniques that capture the absolute [BrHg(X̃)] would be advantageous for kinetics studies of BrHg reactions in the presence of O2. The computed equilibrium constant suggests a non-negligible upper limit of the fraction of BrHg stored as BrHgOO (up to 0.5) at low-temperature conditions, e.g., in the upper troposphere and in polar winters at ground level. Preliminary results indicate that BrHgOO behaves like HOO or organic peroxy radicals in reactions with atmospheric radicals.

Direct identification of total and missing OH reactivities from light-duty gasoline vehicle exhaust in China based on LP-LIF measurement

Considerable efforts have been devoted to characterising the chemical components of vehicle exhaust. However, these components may not accurately reflect the contribution of vehicle exhaust to atmospheric reactivity because of the presence of species not accounted for (“missing species”) given the limitations of analytical instruments. In this study, we improved the laser photolysis–laser-induced fluorescence (LP–LIF) technique and applied it to directly measure the total OH reactivity (TOR) in exhaust gas from light-duty gasoline vehicles in China. The TOR for China I to VI-a vehicles was 15.6, 16.3, 8.4, 2.6, 1.5, and 1.6 × 104 sec−1, respectively, reflecting a notable drop as emission standards were upgraded. The TOR was comparable between cold and warm starts. The missing OH reactivity (MOR) values for China I to IV vehicles were close to zero with a cold start but were much higher with a warm start. The variations in oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) under different emission standards and for the two start conditions were similar to those of the MOR, indicating that OVOCs and the missing species may have similar production processes. Online measurement revealed that the duration of the stable driving stage was the primary factor leading to the production of OVOCs and missing species. Our findings underscore the importance of direct measurement of TOR from vehicle exhaust and highlight the necessity of adding OVOCs and other organic reactive gases in future upgrades of emission standards, such that the vehicular contribution to atmospheric reactivity can be more effectively controlled.

Pressure and Temperature Dependencies of Rate Coefficients for the Reaction OH + NO2 + M → Products.

The OH + NO2 reaction is a critically important process for radical chain termination in the atmosphere with a major impact on the ozone budgets of the troposphere and stratosphere. Rate constants for the reaction of OH + NO2 + M → products have been measured under conditions relevant to the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere with a laser photolysis-laser-induced fluorescence (LP-LIF) technique augmented by in situ optical spectroscopy for quantification of [NO2]. The experiments are carried out over the temperature range of 230-293 K and the pressure range 50-750 Torr of N2 and air and as a function of [O2]. The observed rate coefficients in N2 agree with the newest experimental literature data sets and are within experimental uncertainty of current recommended literature values at 293 K but are systematically higher by up to 22% at 700 Torr and 230 K. The efficacy of different falloff parametrizations has been examined and compared to those in literature sources. The collisional quenching efficiency of O2 was found to be in excellent agreement with current literature sources, and rate coefficients determined in air at 293 and 245 K were observed to be within uncertainty of the rate coefficients measured in N2 bath gas. This work has improved confidence in the literature rate coefficients under conditions of the lower troposphere (∼760 Torr, 280-310 K) toward the stratosphere (10-100 Torr, 220-250 K).

First experimental kinetic study of the atmospherically important reaction of BrHg + NO2

Atomic bromine is known to dominate the oxidation of Hg(0) to Hg(II) via a two-step process in the atmosphere– formation of BrHg and subsequent reactions of BrHg with atmospheric radicals, particularly NO2. We report the first experimental determination of the rate constants for this reaction, which we measured versus temperature (313–373 K) and pressure (80–700 Torr) using laser photolysis-laser induced fluorescence (LP-LIF). Rate constants for addition are 3–11 times lower than those predicted by a previous computational study. We also confirm the existence of competing channel, which we assign to the predicted mercury reduction reaction.

Kinetic studies of the gas phase reaction of 1,2-propylene oxide with the OH radical over a temperature range of 261–335 K

Abstract The rate coefficient for the gas phase reaction of the OH radical with 1,2-propylene oxide (PPO) has been measured at 298 K using a relative rate method, employing Gas Chromatography (GC) technique, using ethane and 1,2-dichloroethane as reference compounds. Temperature dependence of the above reaction is also studied using an absolute rate method, employing Laser Photolysis-Laser Induced Fluorescence (LP-LIF) technique, over a range of 261–335 K. The measured bimolecular rate coefficients were fitted into the Arrhenius plot, which yielded a straight line roughly parallel to the x-axis and implies no or very weak temperature dependence. Within the experimental error limits, rate coefficients obtained at various temperatures, are found to vary within a narrow range from (4.65 ± 0.24) × 10−13 to (4.80 ± 0.24) × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. Room temperature rate coefficient of the reaction of PPO with the OH radical was found to be (4.65 ± 0.24) × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, using LP-LIF technique. These results have been discussed with available literature to unveil the probable mechanism. An average tropospheric lifetime of PPO has been estimated to be about two weeks for degradation by the OH radical. In addition, atmospheric parameters such as Radiative Efficiency (RE) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) for PPO are determined. Stable products formed are characterized using GC-MS and FT-IR techniques. Theoretical calculations are performed to understand the energetics and mechanism of H atom abstraction by OH, and also to complement the experimental observations.

Variability of hydroxyl radical (OH) reactivity in the Landes maritime pine forest: results from the LANDEX campaign 2017

Abstract. Total hydroxyl radical (OH) reactivity measurements were conducted during the LANDEX intensive field campaign in a coniferous temperate forest located in the Landes area, southwestern France, during July 2017. In order to investigate inter-canopy and intra-canopy variability, measurements were performed inside (6 m) and above the canopy level (12 m), as well as at two different locations within the canopy, using a comparative reactivity method (CRM) and a laser photolysis–laser-induced fluorescence (LP-LIF) instrument. The two techniques were intercompared at the end of the campaign by performing measurements at the same location. Volatile organic compounds were also monitored at both levels with a proton transfer time-of-flight mass spectrometer and online gas chromatography instruments to evaluate their contribution to total OH reactivity, with monoterpenes being the main reactive species emitted in this forest dominated by Pinus pinaster Aiton. Total OH reactivity varied diurnally, following the trend of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), the emissions and concentrations of which were dependent on meteorological parameters. Average OH reactivity was around 19.2 and 16.5 s−1 inside and above the canopy, respectively. The highest levels of total OH reactivity were observed during nights with a low turbulence (u*≤0.2 m s−1), leading to lower mixing of emitted species within the canopy and thus an important vertical stratification characterized by a strong concentration gradient. Comparing the measured and the calculated OH reactivity highlighted an average missing OH reactivity of 22 % and 33 % inside and above the canopy, respectively. A day–night variability was observed on missing OH reactivity at both heights. Investigations showed that during daytime, missing OH sinks could be due to primary emissions and secondary products linked to a temperature-enhanced photochemistry. Regarding nighttime missing OH reactivity, higher levels were seen for the stable and warm night of 4–5 July, showing that these conditions could have been favorable for the accumulation of long-lived species (primary and secondary species) during the transport of the air mass from nearby forests.

Photodissociation of trifluoroacetic acid at 193 nm: Mechanism for formation of OH radical and stable products

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is released in the atmosphere through its use in the chemical industry and as degradation product of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) alternatives like hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons. In the present study, we have investigated the OH formation dynamics in the photodissociation of TFA at 193 nm by Laser Photolysis-Laser Induced Fluorescence (LP-LIF) method, as well as stable product formation by GCMS and FTIR. It was found that, ∼26% of the available energy is partitioned into the relative translation of the photoproducts (f(T) = 0.26), which could be explained by presence of an exit barrier of ∼13 kcal/mol in OH formation channel. This result is very similar to OH formation from acetic acid (AA) and difluoroacetic acid (DFA), indicating fluorination at the side chain of aliphatic carboxylic acids does not significantly change the mechanism of COH bond scission. Our experimental results tallied with the theoretical studies, which suggested that the major OH formation channel in acetic acid and fluoroacetic acid is direct dissociation from the optically excited S1 state through an exit barrier, with some competition from the T1 state. However, quantum yield of OH formation from TFA (0.4) was found to be much smaller than AA (0.8), which is probably caused by higher reaction barrier in T1 state of TFA, compared to AA. CHF3, C2F4, C2F6, CO2, CO, CF3CFO, CF2O and hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) were detected as the stable products of the photolysis of TFA. The theoretically optimized ground state dissociation channels showed significant difference between TFA and AA.

Rate Constant for the OH + CO Reaction at Low Temperatures.

Rate constants for the reaction of OH + CO → products (1) have been measured using laser photolysis/laser-induced fluorescence (LP/LIF) over the temperature range 193–296 K and at pressures of 50–700 Torr of Ar and N2. The reaction was studied under pseudo-first-order conditions, monitoring the decay of OH in the presence of a large excess of CO. The rate constants can be expressed as a combination of bimolecular and termolecular components. The bimolecular component was found to be temperature-independent with an expression given by kbi(T) = (1.54 ± 0.14) × 10(–13)[e(–(13±17)/T)] cm(3) molecule(–1) s(–1), with an error of one standard deviation. The termolecular component was fitted to the expression, kter = k0(T)[M]/[1 + (k0(T)[M]/k∞(T)] × 0.6({1+[log10(k0(T)[M]/k∞(T))]2}−1) where k0(T) = k0(300)(T/300)(−n) and k∞(T) = k∞(300)(T/300)(−m). The parameters for k0(T) were determined to be k0(300) = (6.0±0.5) × 10(−33) cm(6) molecule(–2) s(–1) in N2 and k0(300) = (3.4 ± 0.3) × 10(–33) cm(6) molecule(–2) s(–1) in Ar, with n = 1.9±0.5 and 2.0±0.4 in N2 and Ar, respectively. These parameters were determined using k0(T) and m from the NASA kinetics data evaluation (JPL Publication No. 10-6) since the experimental pressure range was far from the high-pressure limit. Addition of low concentrations of O2 had no discernible effect on the mechanism of the OH + CO reaction but resulted in secondary reactions which regenerated OH.

The Reaction Kinetics of Amino Radicals with Sulfur Dioxide

Abstract Application of the laser photolysis–laser-induced fluorescence method to the reaction NH2 + SO2 in argon bath gas yields pressure-dependent, third-order kinetics which may be summarized as k = (1.49 ± 0.15) × 10−31 (T/298 K)−0.83 cm6 molecule –2 s –1 over 292–555 K, where the uncertainty is the 95% confidence interval and includes possible systematic errors. The quenching of vibrationally excited NH2 is consistent with a high-pressure limit for NH2 + SO2 of (1.62 ± 0.25) × 10−11 cm3 molecule –1 s –1 over the temperature range 295–505 K, where again the 95% confidence interval is shown. Ab initio analysis yields a H2N–SO2 dissociation enthalpy of 73.5 kJ mol –1, and comparison with RRKM theory and the exponential down model for energy transfer yields 〈ΔE〉down = 350 cm –1 for Ar at room temperature.

Measurements of Rate Coefficients for Reactions of OH with Ethanol and Propan-2-ol at Very Low Temperatures.

The low temperature kinetics of the reactions of OH with ethanol and propan-2-ol have been studied using a pulsed Laval nozzle apparatus coupled with pulsed laser photolysis-laser-induced fluorescence (PLP-LIF) spectroscopy. The rate coefficients for both reactions have been found to increase significantly as the temperature is lowered, by approximately a factor of 18 between 293 and 54 K for ethanol, and by ∼10 between 298 and 88 K for OH + propan-2-ol. The pressure dependence of the rate coefficients provides evidence for two reaction channels: a zero pressure bimolecular abstraction channel leading to products and collisional stabilization of a weakly bound OH-alcohol complex. The presence of the abstraction channel at low temperatures is rationalized by a quantum mechanical tunneling mechanism, most likely through the barrier to hydrogen abstraction from the OH moiety on the alcohol.

Low Temperature Rate Coefficients for the Reaction CN + HC3N

The reaction of CN radicals with HC3N is of interest for interstellar and circumstellar chemistry as well as for the chemistry of Titan's atmosphere, as part of a general scheme for cyanopolyyne synthesis within these low temperature environments. Here, we present the first experimental measurements of its rate coefficient below room temperature down to 22 K, employing the CRESU (Cinétique de Réaction en Ecoulement Supersonique Uniforme or Reaction Kinetics in Uniform Supersonic Flow) technique coupled with pulsed laser photolysis-laser-induced fluorescence. A novel pulsed version of the CRESU technique employing a new spinning disk valve was used for some of the kinetics measurements. The measurements were in excellent agreement with the only previous determination at room temperature and show a marked increase in the rate coefficient as the temperature is lowered, with the results being well represented by the equation k(T) = 1.79 × 10(-11)(T/300 K)(-0.67) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), with a root-mean-square (statistical) error of 0.61 × 10(-11) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), to which should be added 10% estimated likely systematic error. High accuracy ab initio quantum chemical calculations coupled with variational two-transition state theory calculations were also performed and demonstrate excellent agreement within the combined experimental and predicted theoretical uncertainties. The theoretical rate coefficients, adjusted within expected uncertainties, can be accurately reproduced over the 5 to 400 K temperature range by the expression [(1.97 × 10(-8)) T (-1.51) exp(-3.24/T) + (4.85 × 10(-13)) T (0.563) exp (17.6/T)] cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), where T is in K. The new measurements are likely to be of interest to astrochemical and planetary atmospheric modelers.

High‐temperature kinetics of the reaction between CN and hydrocarbons using a novel high‐enthalpy flow tube

AbstractMore than 70 molecules of varied nature have been identified in the envelopes of carbon‐rich stars through their spectral fingerprints in the microwave or far infrared regions. Many of them are carbon chain molecules and radicals, and a significant number are unique to the circumstellar medium. The determination of relevant laboratory kinetics data is critical to keep up with the development of the high spectral and spatial resolution observations and of the refinement of chemical models. Neutral–neutral reactions of the CN radical with unsaturated hydrocarbons could be a dominant route in the formation of cyanopolyynes, even at low temperatures and deserve a detailed laboratory investigation. The approach we have developed aims to bridge the temperature gap between resistively heated flow tubes and shock tubes. The present kinetic measurements are obtained using a new reactor combining a high‐enthalpy source with a flow tube and a pulsed laser photolysis–laser‐induced fluorescence system to probe the undergoing chemical reactions. The high‐enthalpy flow tube has been used to measure the rate constant of the reaction of the CN radical with propane (C3H8), propene (C3H6), allene (C3H4), 1,3‐butadiene (1,3‐C4H6), and 1‐butyne (C4H6) over a temperature range extending from 300 to 1200 K. All studied reactions of CN with unsaturated hydrocarbons are rapid, with rate coefficients greater than 10−10 cm3 · molecule−1 · s−1 and exhibit slight negative temperature dependence above room temperature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 753–766, 2012

Atmospheric Chemistry of Isoflurane, Desflurane, and Sevoflurane: Kinetics and Mechanisms of Reactions with Chlorine Atoms and OH Radicals and Global Warming Potentials

The smog chamber/Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique was used to measure the rate coefficients k(Cl + CF(3)CHClOCHF(2), isoflurane) = (4.5 ± 0.8) × 10(-15), k(Cl + CF(3)CHFOCHF(2), desflurane) = (1.0 ± 0.3) × 10(-15), k(Cl + (CF(3))(2)CHOCH(2)F, sevoflurane) = (1.1 ± 0.1) × 10(-13), and k(OH + (CF(3))(2)CHOCH(2)F) = (3.5 ± 0.7) × 10(-14) cm(3) molecule(-1) in 700 Torr of N(2)/air diluent at 295 ± 2 K. An upper limit of 6 × 10(-17) cm(3) molecule(-1) was established for k(Cl + (CF(3))(2)CHOC(O)F). The laser photolysis/laser-induced fluorescence (LP/LIF) technique was employed to determine hydroxyl radical rate coefficients as a function of temperature (241-298 K): k(OH + CF(3)CHFOCHF(2)) = (7.05 ± 1.80) × 10(-13) exp[-(1551 ± 72)/T] cm(3) molecule(-1); k(296 ± 1 K) = (3.73 ± 0.08) × 10(-15) cm(3) molecule(-1), and k(OH + (CF(3))(2)CHOCH(2)F) = (9.98 ± 3.24) × 10(-13) exp[-(969 ± 82)/T] cm(3) molecule(-1); k(298 ± 1 K) = (3.94 ± 0.30) × 10(-14) cm(3) molecule(-1). The rate coefficient of k(OH + CF(3)CHClOCHF(2), 296 ± 1 K) = (1.45 ± 0.16) × 10(-14) cm(3) molecule(-1) was also determined. Chlorine atoms react with CF(3)CHFOCHF(2) via H-abstraction to give CF(3)CFOCHF(2) and CF(3)CHFOCF(2) radicals in yields of approximately 83% and 17%. The major atmospheric fate of the CF(3)C(O)FOCHF(2) alkoxy radical is decomposition via elimination of CF(3) to give FC(O)OCHF(2) and is unaffected by the method used to generate the CF(3)C(O)FOCHF(2) radicals. CF(3)CHFOCF(2) radicals add O(2) and are converted by subsequent reactions into CF(3)CHFOCF(2)O alkoxy radicals, which decompose to give COF(2) and CF(3)CHFO radicals. In 700 Torr of air 82% of CF(3)CHFO radicals undergo C-C scission to yield HC(O)F and CF(3) radicals with the remaining 18% reacting with O(2) to give CF(3)C(O)F. Atmospheric oxidation of (CF(3))(2)CHOCH(2)F gives (CF(3))(2)CHOC(O)F in a molar yield of 93 ± 6% with CF(3)C(O)CF(3) and HCOF as minor products. The IR spectra of (CF(3))(2)CHOC(O)F and FC(O)OCHF(2) are reported for the first time. The atmospheric lifetimes of CF(3)CHClOCHF(2), CF(3)CHFOCHF(2), and (CF(3))(2)CHOCH(2)F (sevoflurane) are estimated at 3.2, 14, and 1.1 years, respectively. The 100 year time horizon global warming potentials of isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane are 510, 2540, and 130, respectively. The atmospheric degradation products of these anesthetics are not of environmental concern.

PLP–LIF study of the reactions of chlorine atoms with C 2H 2, C 2H 4, and C 3H 6 in 2–100 Torr of N 2 diluent at 295 K

Pulsed laser photolysis–laser-induced fluorescence (PLP–LIF) techniques were used to study the reactions of Cl( 2P 3/2) atoms with C 2H 2 ( k 1), C 2H 4 ( k 2), and C 3H 6 ( k 3) in 2–100 Torr of N 2 diluent at 295 ± 2 K. The results are in good agreement with those from relative rate studies, improve our understanding of the pressure dependence of the title reactions, and indicate that when timescales for chlorine atom decay and regeneration are not decoupled the results from PLP–RF experiments do not provide reliable kinetic data for reactions of chlorine atoms with organic compounds.

OH Radical Initiated Oxidation of 1,3-Butadiene: Isomeric Selective Study of the Dominant Addition Channel

We report the first isomeric selective kinetic study of the dominant isomeric pathway in the OH initiated oxidation of 1,3-butadiene in the presence of O(2) and NO using the laser photolysis-laser induced fluorescence (LP-LIF) technique. The photodissociation of the precursor 2-iodo-but-3-en-1-ol results exclusively in the dominant OH-butadiene addition product, permitting important insight into the OH initiated oxidation mechanism. On the basis of analysis of the time dependent OH/OD signals, we have determined a rate constant for O2 addition to the hydroxyalkyl radical of 7.0(-3.0)(+7.0) x 10(-13) cm(3) s(-1), and we find a value of 1.5(-0.6)(+1.0) x 10(-11) cm(3) s(-1) for the overall reaction rate constant of the hydroxy peroxy radical with NO. We also report the first clear experimental evidence of the (E) form of the delta-hydroxyalkoxy channel through isotopic labeling experiments and provide an upper bound of 13 +/- 5% to its branching ratio. This species provides a mechanistic pathway for the formation of 4-hydroxy-2-butenal, which has been identified as a first generation end product. This isomeric selective kinetic study, together with a previous study on the minor channel of the 1,3-butadiene oxidation, yields a comprehensive picture of butadiene oxidation under high NOx conditions relevant to most regions in the continental US.

Isomer-Selective Study of the OH-Initiated Oxidation of Isoprene in the Presence of O2 and NO: 2. The Major OH Addition Channel

We report the first isomeric-selective study of the dominant isomeric pathway in the OH-initiated oxidation of isoprene in the presence of O2 and NO using the laser photolysis-laser induced fluorescence (LP-LIF) technique. The photolysis of monodeuterated/nondeuterated 2-iodo-2-methylbut-3-en-1-ol results exclusively in the dominant OH-isoprene addition product, providing important insight into the oxidation mechanism. On the basis of kinetic analysis of OH cycling experiments, we have determined the rate constant for O2 addition to the hydroxyalkyl radical to be 1.0(-0.5)+1.7 x 10(-12) cm3 s(-1), and we find a value of 8.1-2.3+3.4 x 10(-12) cm3 s(-1) for the overall reaction rate constant of the resulting hydroxyperoxy radical with NO. We also report the first clear experimental evidence of the (E) form of the delta-hydroxyalkoxy channel through isotopic labeling experiments and quantify its branching ratio to be (10 +/- 3)%. This puts a rigorous upper limit on the branching of the (E)-delta-hydroxyalkoxy radical channel. Since our measured isomeric-selective rate constants for the dominant outer channel in OH-initiated isoprene chemistry are similar to the overall rate constants derived from nonisomeric kinetics, we predict that the remaining outer addition channel will have similar reactivity.

Photodissociation of 3-Bromo-1,1,1-trifluoro-2-propanol at 193 nm: Laser-Induced Fluorescence Detection of OH(ν′′ = 0, J′′)

Photodissociation of 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoro-2-propanol (BTFP) has been investigated at 193 nm, employing the laser photolysis laser-induced fluorescence technique. The nascent OH product was detected state selectively, and the energy released into translation, rotation, and vibration of the photoproducts has been measured. OH is produced mostly vibrationally cold, with a moderate rotational excitation, which is characterized by a rotational temperature of 640 +/- 140 K. However, an appreciable amount of the available energy of 36.1 kcal mol(-1) is released into translation of OH (15.1 kcal mol(-1)). OH product has no preference for a specific spin-orbit state, Pi(3/2) or Pi(1/2). However, between two Lambda-doublet states, Pi(+) and Pi(-), the OH product has a preference for the former by a factor of 2. A mechanism of OH formation from BTFP on excitation at 193 nm is proposed, which involves first the direct C-Br bond dissociation from a repulsive state (n(Br)sigma*(C-Br)) as a primary process. The primary product, F(3)C-CH(OH)-CH(2), with sufficient internal energy undergoes spontaneous C-OH bond dissociation, through a loose transition state. The formation rate of OH is calculated to be 5.8 x 10(6) s(-1) using Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus unimolecular rate theory. Experimental results have been supported by theoretical calculations, and energies of various low-energy dissociation channels of the primary product, F(3)C-CH(OH)-CH(2), have been calculated.

Kinetics of Reactions of CCN Radical with Alcohols

The reaction kinetics of cyanomethylidyne radical, CCN(X2), with a series of primary alcohols were studied at about 1.33 kPa total pressure and room temperature using pulsed laser photolysis/laser-induced fluorescence (LP/LIF) technique. The CCN radical was produced via laser photolysis of CCl3CN with the fourth harmonic output of a Nd: YAG laser (266 nm). The relative concentration of the CCN(X2) radical was monitored by LIF in the (0, 0) band of the CCN(A2 X2) transition at 470.9 nm. Under pseudo-first-order conditions, the reaction rate constants of CCN(X2) with a series of primary alcohol molecules (n-CnH2n+1OH, n=1-6) were determined by measuring the time evolution of the relative concentration of CCN(X2i). The measured rate constants increased monotonously with the number of carbon atoms in the alcohols, and the values for reactions of CCN(X2) with alcohols were larger than those for reactions of CCN(X2) with alkanes (C1-C5). Based on the bond dissociation energies and linear free energy correlations, it was believed that the reactions of CCN(X2) with alcohols proceeded via a hydrogen abstraction mechanism that was analogous to CCN(X2) with alkanes. The experimental results indicated that the H atoms on the C-H bonds were activated at the presence of the OH group in alcohol molecules and the hydrogen abstraction from the C-H bonds in the alcohol molecules was the dominant reaction pathway. The relation between the rate constants and the long-distance attractive potentials between the CCN radical and the alcohol molecules was discussed.