Kinetics of the reactions of OH radicals with n-alkanes at 299 ± 2 K

Relative rate constants for the reaction of OH radicals with a series of n-alkanes have been determined at 299 ± 2 K, using methyl nitrite photolysis in air as a source of OH radicals. Using a rate constant for the reaction of OH radicals with n-butane of 2.58 × 10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1s^?1, the rate constants obtained are (X10¹² cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1): propane 1.22 ± 0.05, n-pentane 4.13 ± 0.08, n-heptane 7.30 ± 0.17, n-octane 9.01 ± 0.19, n-nonane 10.7 ± 0.4, and n-decane 11.4 ± 0.6. The data for propane, n-pentane, and n-octane are in good agreement with literature values, while those for n-heptane, n-nonane, and n-decane are reported for the first time. These data show that the rate constant per secondary C—H bond is ∽40% higher for —CH₂— groups bonded to two other —CH₂— groups than for those bonded to a —CH₂— group and a —CH₃ group.