Elementary reactions of formyl (HCO) radical studied by laser photolysis—transient absorption spectroscopy

Several elementary reactions of formyl radical of combustion importance were studied using pulsed laser photolysis coupled to transient UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy: HCO → H + CO (1), HCO + HCO → products (2), and HCO + CH₃ → products (3). One-pass UV absorption, multi-pass UV absorption as well as cavity ring-down spectroscopy in the red spectral region were used to monitor temporal profiles of HCO radical. Reaction (1) was studied over the buffer gas (He) pressure range 0.8–100 bar and the temperature range 498–769 K. Reactions (2a), (2b), (2c), (3a) and (3b) as well as the UV absorption spectrum of HCO, were studied at 298 and 588 K, and the buffer gas (He) pressure of 1 bar. Pulsed laser photolysis (308, 320, and 193 nm) of acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, and acetone was used to prepare mixtures of free radicals. The second-order rate constant of reaction (1) obtained from the data at 1 bar is: k₁(He) = (0.8 ± 0.4) × 10⁻¹⁰exp(−(66.0 ± 3.4) kJ mol⁻¹/RT) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The HCO dissociation rate constants measured in this work are lower than those reported in the previous direct work. The difference is a factor of 2.2 at the highest temperature of the experiments and a factor of 3.5 at the low end. The experimental data indicate pressure dependence of the rate constant of dissociation of formyl radical 1, which was attributed to the early pressure fall-off expected based on the theory of isolated resonances. The UV absorption spectrum of HCO was revised. The maximum absorption cross-section of HCO is (7.3 ± 1.2) × 10⁻¹⁸ cm² molecule⁻¹ at 230 nm (temperature independent within the experimental error). The measured rate constants for reactions (2a), (2b), (2c), (3a) and (3b) are: k₂ = (3.6 ± 0.8) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ (298 K); k₃ = (9.3 ± 2.3) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹(298 and 588 K).     

Analysis of the 2ν3 band of CD3F at 5.06 μm recorded under high resolution

The 2ν₃(A₁) band of ¹²CD₃F near 5.06 μm has been recorded with a resolution of 20–24 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹. The value of the parameter (α^B − α^A) for this band was found to be very small and, therefore, the K structure of the R(J) and P(J) manifolds was unresolved for J < 15 and only partially resolved for larger J values. The band was analyzed using standard techniques and values for the following constants determined: ν₀ = 1977.178(3) cm⁻¹, B″ = 0.68216(9) cm⁻¹, D″_J = 1.10(30) × 10⁻⁶ cm⁻¹, α^B = (B″ − B′) = 3.086(7) × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹, and β^J = (D″_J − D′_J) = −3.24(11) × 10⁻⁷ cm⁻¹. A value of α^A = (A″ − A′) = 2.90(5) × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹ has been obtained through band contour simulations of the R(J) and P(J) multiplets.     

Fourier Transform Spectroscopy of theYΣ–XΠiTransition of CuO

TheY²Σ⁺–X²Π_inear-infrared electronic transition of CuO was observed at high resolution for the first time. The spectrum was recorded with the Fourier transform spectrometer associated with the McMath–Pierce Solar Telescope at Kitt Peak. The excited CuO molecules were produced in a low pressure copper hollow cathode sputter with a slow flow of oxygen. Constants for theY²Σ⁺states of CuO are:T₀= 7715.47765(54) cm⁻¹,B= 0.4735780(28) cm⁻¹,D= 0.822(12) × 10⁻⁶cm⁻¹,H= 0.46(10) × 10⁻¹⁰cm⁻¹, γ = −0.089587(42) cm⁻¹, γ_D= 0.1272(79) × 10⁻⁶cm⁻¹,b_F= 0.12347(22) cm⁻¹, andc= 0.0550(74) cm⁻¹. ImprovedX²Π_iconstants are also presented.     

High-resolution infrared and millimeterwave spectra of the v3=1 vibrational state of NF3 at 907 cm

The ν₃^±1 perpendicular band of ¹⁴NF₃ ( cm⁻¹) has been studied with a resolution of 2.5 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹, and 3682 infrared (IR) transitions (J_max=55, K_max=45) have been assigned. These transitions were complemented by 183 millimeterwave (MMW) rotational lines (J_max=25, K_max=19) in the 150–550 GHz region (precision 50–100 kHz). The kl=+1 level reveals a strong A₁/A₂ splitting due to the l(2,2) rotational interaction (q=−4.05 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹) while the kl=−2 and +4 levels exhibit small A₁/A₂ splittings due to l(2,−4) and l(0,6) rotational interactions. All these splittings were observed by both experimental methods. Assuming the v₃=1 vibrational state as isolated, a Hamiltonian model of interactions in the D reduction, with l(2,−1) rotational interaction (r=−1.96 × 10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹) added, accounted for the observations. A set of 26 molecular constants reproduced the IR observations with σ_IR=0.175 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹ and the MMW data with σ_MMW=134 kHz. The Q reduction was also performed and found of comparable quality while the QD reduction behaved poorly. This may be explained by a predicted Coriolis interaction between v₃=1 and v₁=1 (A₁, 1032.001 cm⁻¹) which induces a slow convergence of the Hamiltonian in the QD reduction but has no major influence on the other reductions. The experimental equilibrium structure could be calculated as: r_e(N–F)=1.3676 Å and (FNF)=101.84°.     

Polarization spectroscopy of ion-pair states of ICl

Molecular constants for the E0⁺(³P₂) and 1(³P₂) ion-pair states of ICl vapor have been determined using sequential two-photon polarization-labeling spectroscopy. The two states are coupled by a heterogeneous perturbation which is analyzed in some detail for low-lying vibrational levels of 1(³P₂). The I³⁵Cl potential constants for the 1(³P₂) state and the rotation-vibration constants for the set of f sublevels—i.e., the constants unaffected by coupling with the E state—are (in cm⁻¹) 1(³P₂): Y_0,0= 39103.814(32), Y_1,0= 170.213(15), Y_2,0= −0.4528(22), Y_3,0= −7.0(12) × 10⁻⁴, Y_4,0= −1.48(24) × 10⁻⁵ and Y_5,0= −6.6(19) × 10⁻⁸, Y^(f)_0,1= 5.6878(17) × 10⁻² Y^(f)_1,1= −2.110(24) × 10⁻⁴, Y^(f)_2,1= −1.23(62) × 10⁻⁷, and Y^(f)_0,1= −3.08(22) × 10⁻⁸Likewise, the I³⁵Cl constants determined for the E 0⁺(³P₂) state are E 0⁺(³P₂: Y_0,0= 39054.38(61), Y_1,0= 166.96(10), Y_2,0 = −0.3995(42), Y_0,1= 5.738(31) × 10⁻², and Y_1,1= −1.67(26) × 10⁻⁴Practical constraints in pumping the sequence E 0⁺ ← B 0⁺ ← × 0⁺ restrict the analysis of the E state to levels v = 9–15. Given the long extrapolation to the equilibrium state the 3σ statistical uncertainties quoted for these constants should be treated with caution.     

Electrical conductivity of Ag/Na ion-exchanged titanosilicate glasses

The Ag₂O–TiO₂–SiO₂ glasses were prepared by Ag⁺/Na⁺ ion-exchange method from Na₂O–TiO₂–SiO₂ glasses at 380–450 °C below their glass transition temperatures (T_g), and their electrical conductivities were investigated as functions of TiO₂ content and the ion-exchange ratio (Ag/(Ag+Na)). In a series of glasses 20R₂O·xTiO₂·(80−x)SiO₂ with x=10, 20, 30 and 40 in mol%, the electrical conductivities at 200 °C of the fully ion-exchanged glasses of R=Ag were in the order of 10⁻⁵ or 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ and were 1 or 2 orders of magnitude higher than those of the initial glasses of R=Na. The glass of x=30 exhibited the highest increase of conductivity from 3.8×10⁻⁷ to 1.3×10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at 200 °C by Ag⁺/Na⁺ ion exchange among them. When the ion-exchange ratio was changed in 20R₂O·30TiO₂·50SiO₂ system, the electrical conductivity at 200 °C exhibited a minimum value of 7.6×10⁻⁸ S cm⁻¹ around Ag/(Ag+Na)=0.3 and increased steeply in the region of Ag/(Ag+Na)=0.5–1.0. When the ion-exchange temperature was changed from 450 to 400 °C, the conductivity of the ion-exchanged glass of x=30 decreased. The infrared spectroscopy measurement revealed that the ion-exchange temperature of 450 °C induced a structural change in the glass of x=30. The T_g of the fully ion-exchanged glass of x=30 was 498 °C. It was suggested that the incorporated silver ions changed the average coordination number of titanium ions to form higher ion-conducting pathway and resulted in high conductivity in the titanosilicate glasses.     

Spectral characterization and energy levels of Cr:Sc2(MoO4)3 crystal

This paper reports the spectral properties and energy levels of Cr³⁺:Sc₂(MoO₄)₃ crystal. The crystal field strength Dq, Racah parameter B and C were calculated to be 1408 cm⁻¹, 608 cm⁻¹ and 3054 cm⁻¹, respectively. The absorption cross sections σ_α of ⁴A₂→⁴T₁ and ⁴A₂→⁴T₂ transitions were 3.74×10⁻¹⁹ cm² at 499 nm and 3.21×10⁻¹⁹ cm² at 710 nm, respectively. The emission cross section σ_e was 375×10⁻²⁰ cm² at 880 nm. Cr³⁺:Sc₂(MoO₄)₃ crystal has a broad emission band with a broad FWHM of 176 nm (2179 cm⁻¹). Therefore, Cr³⁺:Sc₂(MoO₄)₃ crystal may be regarded as a potential tunable laser gain medium.     

The Microwave Spectrum of m-Tolunitrile: Methyl Internal Rotation and N Nuclear Quadrupole Coupling

The microwave spectrum of m-tolunitrile (3-methylbenzonitrile, m-C₆H₄CH₃CN) has been investigated in the frequency range from 1 to 4 and 8 to 26.5 GHz. The spectra in the two lowest states of internal methyl rotation (m = 0, ±1) were recorded by means of pulsed molecular beam Fourier transform microwave (MB-FTMW) spectrometers. The interpretation of the spectra was based on an asymmetric frame–symmetric top Hamiltonian with inclusion of centrifugal distortion terms and first-order contributions from ¹⁴N nuclear quadrupole coupling. A least-squares analysis yielded the rotational constants A = 3295.9103(10) MHz, B = 1199.1188(2) MHz, C = 883.9223(1) MHz, all elements of the nuclear quadrupole coupling tensor χ_aa = −3.626(1) MHz, χ_bb = 1.684(1) MHz, χ_cc = 1.943(1) MHz, and χ_ab = −1.870(3) MHz, as well as the threefold barrier to internal rotation, V₃ = 14.2 cm⁻¹, and the angle between the internal rotor axis and the principal moment of inertia a axis, θ = 42.66°, using fixed values for the sixfold barrier term V₆ (−11 cm⁻¹) and the moment of inertia of the methyl top I_α (3.16 u Ų).     

The bending energy levels of C2H2

Absorption spectra of C₂H₂ have been recorded between 50 and 1450 cm⁻¹, with a resolution always better than 0.005 cm⁻¹, using two different Fourier transform spectrometers. Analysis of the data provided two sets of results. First, the bending levels with Σ_t V_t(t = 4, 5) ≤ 2 were characterized by a coherent set of 34 parameters derived from the simultaneous analysis of 15 bands, performed using a matrix Hamiltonian. The following main parameters were obtained (in cm⁻¹): ω₄⁰ = 608.985196(14), ω₅⁰ = 729.157564(10); B₀ = 1.17664632(18), α₄ = −1.353535(86) × 10⁻³, α₅ = −2.232075(40) × 10⁻³; q₄⁰ = 5.24858(12) × 10⁻³, and q₅⁰ = 4.66044(12) × 10⁻³, with the errors (1σ) on the last quoted digit. Second, a more complete set of bending levels with Σ_t V_t ≤ 4, some of which have never previously been reported, and also including V₂ = 1 have been fitted to 80 parameters. This simultaneous fit involved 43 bands and used the same full Hamiltonian matrix. Some perturbations which affect the higher excited levels are discussed.     

Volatile metal β-diketonates — new precursors for the sonochemical synthesis of nanosized materials — sonolysis of thorium(IV) β-diketonates

Ultrasonic irradiation (22 kHz, Ar atmosphere) of Th(IV) β-diketonates Th(HFAA)₄ and Th(DBM)₄, where HFAA and DBM are hexafluoroacetylacetone and dibenzoylmethane respectively, causes them to decompose in hexadecane solutions, forming solid thorium compounds. The first-order rate constants for Th(IV) β-diketonate degradation were found to be (9.3±0.8)×10⁻³ for Th(HFAA)₄ and (3.8±0.4)×10⁻³ min⁻¹ for Th(DBM)₄, (T=92°C, I=3 W cm⁻²). The rate of the sonochemical reaction increased with the rising β-diketonate volatility and decreased with the rising hydrocarbon solvent vapor pressure. Solid sonication products consisted of a mixture of thorium carbide ThC₂ and Th(IV) β-diketonate partial degradation products. The average ThC₂ particle size was estimated to be about 2 nm. ThC₂ formation was attributed to the high-temperature reaction occurring within the cavitating bubble. The thorium β-diketonate partial degradation products formed in the liquid reaction zones surrounding the cavitating bubbles.     

The 2ν8 Band of CH3CN

The overtone band 2ν⁰₈ of CH₃CN around 720 cm⁻¹ has been measured on a Bruker Fourier transform spectrometer at a resolution of 0.003 cm⁻¹. Only the parallel band was observed, but due to the l(2, 2) resonance, ΔK = −2 lines leading to the v₈ = 2, l₈ = −2 levels with K = 1-3 could be seen. More information for the l₈ = ±2 component of the vibrational state v₈ = 2 was evaluated from the hot band 2ν^±2₈ - ν^±1₈. Altogether more than 1000 lines were assigned. In the fit pure rotational lines from literature were also combined. Among the results the anomalous A₀ - A′ values 4.6722(13) × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹ for the 2ν⁰₈ band and 7.0324(32) × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹ for the 2ν^±2₈ band are striking.     

Determination of the Splitting of the 6a0 and 6b0 Bands of C-Hexadeuterobenzene in a Supersonic Jet

By using resonance-enhanced two-photon ionization, rotationally resolved spectra of the 6¹₀ band of ¹²C₆D₆ and (¹³C¹²C₅D₆ molecules have been obtained for the first time at a rotational temperature of 0.7 K in a pulsed supersonic beam. From the former, the values of B″ = 0.1573 ± 0.0008 cm⁻¹, B′ = 0.1508 ± 0.0008 cm⁻¹, and ξ′ = −0.412 ± 0.050 have been derived for rotational and Coriolis constants in the lower and upper levels of ¹²C₆D₆. Also, the spectra corresponding to ¹²C₆H₆ and ¹³C¹²C₅H₆ have been measured and the values B″ = 0.1892 ± 0.0008 cm⁻¹, B′ = 0.1815 ± 0.0008 cm⁻¹, and ξ′ = −0.586 ± 0.050 have been obtained for ¹²C₆H₆, in agreement with previous results. Rotational constants of ¹³C labeled benzene molecules have been geometrically deduced from the constants obtained. Experimental isotopic shifts of the vibronic origins of the 6a¹₀ and 6b¹₀ bands have been determined. There is agreement with previous ¹³C-benzene-h₆ data. The present results are −0.91 ± 0.05 and 3.09 ± 0.05 cm⁻¹ for ¹³C¹²C₅D₆ and −1.64 ± 0.05 and 2.64 ± 0.05 cm⁻¹ for ¹³C¹²C₅H₆. The splittings of vibrational modes 6b and 6a in the ¹B_2u state are 4.00 ± 0.10 cm⁻¹ for ¹³C¹²C₅D₆ and 4.28 ± 0.10 cm⁻¹ for ¹³C¹²C₅H₆.     

Line Positions and Intensities of the ν1+ ν2+ 3ν3, ν2+ 4ν3, and 3ν1+ 2ν2Bands of Ozone

Using a Fourier transform spectrometer, we have recorded the spectra of ozone in the region of 4600 cm⁻¹, with a resolution of 0.008 cm⁻¹. The strongest absorption in this region is due to the ν₁+ ν₂+ 3ν₃band which is in Coriolis interaction with the ν₂+ 4ν₃band. We have been able to assign more than 1700 transitions for these two bands. To correctly reproduce the calculation of energy levels, it has been necessary to introduce the (320) state which strongly perturbs the (113) and (014) states through Coriolis- and Fermi-type resonances. Seventy transitions of the 3ν₁+ 2ν₂band have also been observed. The final fit on 926 energy levels withJ_max= 50 andK_max= 16 gives RMS = 3.1 × 10⁻³cm⁻¹and provides a satisfactory agreement of calculated and observed upper levels for most of the transitions. The following values for band centers are derived: ν₀(ν₁+ ν₂+ 3ν₃) = 4658.950 cm⁻¹, ν₀(3ν₁+ 2ν₂) = 4643.821 cm⁻¹, and ν₀(ν₂+ 4ν₃) = 4632.888 cm⁻¹. Line intensities have been measured and fitted, leading to the determination of transition moment parameters for the two bands ν₁+ ν₂+ 3ν₃and ν₂+ 4ν₃. Using these parameters we have obtained the following estimations for the integrated band intensities,S_V(ν₁+ ν₂+ 3ν₃) = 8.84 × 10⁻²²,S_V(ν₂+ 4ν₃) = 1.70 × 10⁻²², andS_V(3ν₁+ 2ν₂) = 0.49 × 10⁻²²cm⁻¹/molecule cm⁻²at 296 K, which correspond to a cutoff of 10⁻²⁶cm⁻¹/molecule cm⁻².     

High-resolution infrared spectra of HCF3 in the ν6 (500 cm) and 2ν6 (1000 cm) regions: rovibrational analysis and accurate determination of the ground state constants C0 and DK

The high-resolution infrared spectrum of HCF₃ was studied in the ν₆ fundamental (near 500 cm⁻¹) and in the 2ν₆ overtones (near 1000 cm⁻¹) regions. The present study reports on the analysis of the hot bands in the ν₆ region, as well as the first observation and assignment of the 2ν₆² perpendicular band. Using ν₆, 2ν₆^±2–ν₆^±1 and 2ν₆² experimental wavenumbers, accurate coefficients C₀ and D_K⁰ of the K-dependent ground-state energy terms were obtained, using the so-called “loop method.” Ground-state energy differences Δ(K,J)=E₀(K,J)−E₀(K−3,J) were obtained for K=3–30. A least-squares fit of 81 such differences gave the following results (in cm⁻¹): C₀=0.1892550(15); D_K⁰=2.779(26) × 10⁻⁷.     

Line Intensities in the ν1, ν3, and 2ν2 Bands of H2Se

Using a high-resolution Fourier transform spectrum of hydrogen selenide in natural abundance, about 600 intensities of lines belonging to the ν₁, ν₃, and 2ν₂ bands of H₂⁸⁰Se were measured. A least-squares fit of these intensities was performed, allowing determination of the vibrational transition moments of these bands and their rotational corrections. Finally, the first derivatives of the dipole moment with respect to the normal coordinates q₁ and q₃ were found to be ∂μ_χ/∂q₁ = (−0.5938 ± 0.010) × 10⁻¹ and ∂μ_z/∂q₃ = (0.5683 ± 0.010) × 10⁻¹ Debye, respectively.     

Preparation and electrical properties of a pyrochlore-related Ce2Zr2O8−x phase

A pyrochlore-related Ce₂Zr₂O_8−x phase has been prepared in a reduction reoxidation process from Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ powders. Ce₂Zr₂O_8−x, based on a cubic symmetry with a=1.053 nm, decomposes in nitrogen at 800 °C, but remains stable up to 900 °C in air. It shows mixed oxygen ionic and electronic conductivity. The bulk conductivity at 700 °C is 4×10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ in air and 1×10⁻² S cm⁻¹ in nitrogen, and the activation energy is 1.27 eV in air. In nitrogen, the Arrhenius law is not obeyed, and a curved plot was obtained from 400 to 700 °C; then, the conductivity decreased rapidly due to the thermal decomposition of Ce₂Zr₂O_8−x.     

Compositionally asymmetrical multiquantum wells: “Pseudo-molecules” for giant optical nonlinearities in the infrared (9–11 μm)

Intersubband transitions in quantum well have extremely large oscillator strengths and induce strong nonlinear effects in structures where inversion symmetry is broken, realized by growing AlGaAs quantum wells with asymmetrical A1 gradients. These compositionally asymmetrical multiquantum wells may thus be viewed as giant “quasimolecules” optimized for optimal nonlinearities in the mid infrared. Optical rectification as well as second harmonic generation have been measured in those structures using a continuous CO₂ laser. At 10.6 μm the nonlinear coefficients are more than 3 orders of magnitude higher in these samples than for bulk GaAs (i.e. χ₀⁽²⁾ = 5.3 × 10⁻⁶m/V, χ_2ω⁽²⁾ = 7.2 × 10⁻⁷ m/V) and are in good agreement with theoretical predictions. We present more complex “pseudo-molecules” involving weakly coupled quantum wells. The optical rectification effects in these devices are so large χ₀⁽²⁾ = 1.6 × 10⁻³ m/V) that application to infrared detection may be envisioned.     

Doppler-limited dye laser excitation spectroscopy of DCF

The dye laser excitation spectrum of the vibronic transition of DCF was observed between 17 200 and 17 400 cm⁻¹ with the Doppler-limited resolution. DCF was produced by the reaction of microwave-discharged CF₄ with CD₃F. The observed spectra, which were found to be nearly free of perturbations, were assigned to 858 transitions of the K′_a − K″_a = 4−5, 3−4, 2−3, 1−2, 0−1, 1−0, 2−1, 3−2, 3−3, 2−2, 1−1, 0−0, 2−0, and 0−2 subbands, and were analyzed to determine the rotational constants and centrifugal distortion constants for both the and à states. The rotational constants of DCF thus determined were combined with those of HCF to calculate the structural parameters for this molecule: r(C---H) = 1.138 Å, r(C---F) = 1.305 Å, and HCF = 104.1° for the ground state, and r(C---H) = 1.063 Å, r(C---F) = 1.308 Å, and HCF = 123.8° for the excited à state.     

A new electronic transition of antimony chloride in the visible region

The emission spectrum of SbCl has been photographed at high resolution in the region 400 to 640 nm. In addition to bands of two previously reported transitions in this region, A₁-X and A₂-X, 36 bands of a new system have been identified. A vibrational analysis has been made with ν₀₀ ≈ 20 679 cm⁻¹, and 7 of the bands have been rotationally analyzed. The electronic transition has ΔΩ = 0 with lower state constants which match published data for the ground state X³Σ⁻(0⁺). The upper state is characterized by the following ¹²¹Sb³⁵Cl molecular parameters: B′₀ = 0.0922 cm⁻¹, D′₀ = 3.1 × 10⁻⁸ cm⁻¹.     

Millimeter-wave spectrum of DCCCHO in the ground vibrational state

About 140 a- and b-type millimeter-wave transitions of propynal-d₁, DCCCHO, were measured in the ground vibrational state. The accurate rotational and centrifugal distortion constants were determined from the observed frequencies including the previous microwave measurements. Seven microwave transitions observed by infrared-microwave double resonance were also included in the analysis. The determined constants are A = 66778.016(12), B = 4463.8489(7), C = 4177.7950(7), Δ_J = 0.0015919(5), Δ_JK = −0.139214(13), Δ_K = 9.4328(18), δ_J = 0.0002885(4), δ_K = 0.03069(4), H_JK = −0.817(13) × 10⁻⁶, H_KJ = −9.62(4) × 10⁻⁶, H_K = 0.00255(8), h_J = 0.0047(3) × 10⁻⁶, in MHz.