Atmospheric chemistry of n‐CH3(CH2)xCN (x = 0–3): Kinetics and mechanisms

Smog chamber/Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques were used to measure the kinetics of the reaction of n‐CH₃(CH₂)_xCN (x = 0–3) with Cl atoms and OH radicals: k(CH₃CN + Cl) = (1.04 ± 0.25) × 10⁻¹⁴, k(CH₃CH₂CN + Cl) = (9.20 ± 3.95) × 10⁻¹³, k(CH₃(CH₂)₂CN + Cl) = (2.03 ± 0.23) × 10⁻¹¹, k(CH₃(CH₂)₃CN + Cl) = (6.70 ± 0.67) × 10⁻¹¹, k(CH₃CN + OH) = (4.07 ± 1.21) × 10⁻¹⁴, k(CH₃CH₂CN + OH) = (1.24 ± 0.27) × 10⁻¹³, k(CH₃(CH₂)₂CN + OH) = (4.63 ± 0.99) × 10⁻¹³, and k(CH₃(CH₂)₃CN + OH) = (1.58 ± 0.38) × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ at a total pressure of 700 Torr of air or N₂ diluents at 296 ± 2 K. The atmospheric oxidation of alkyl nitriles proceeds through hydrogen abstraction leading to several carbonyl containing primary oxidation products. HC(O)CN, NCC(O)OONO₂, ClC(O)OONO₂, and HCN were identified as the main oxidation products from CH₃CN, whereas CH₃CH₂CN gives the products HC(O)CN, CH₃C(O)CN, NCC(O)OONO₂, and HCN. The oxidation of n‐CH₃(CH₂)_xCN (x = 2–3) leads to a range of oxygenated primary products. Based on the measured OH radical rate constants, the atmospheric lifetimes of n‐CH₃(CH₂)_xCN (x = 0–3) were estimated to be 284, 93, 25, and 7 days for x = 0,1, 2, and 3, respectively.     

Rate constants and Arrhenius parameters for the reactions of Cl atoms with the halogenated ethers: CF3CH2OCHF2, CF3CHClOCHF2, and CF3CH2OCClF2

Rate constants have been determined for the reactions of Cl atoms with the halogenated ethers CF₃CH₂OCHF₂, CF₃CHClOCHF₂, and CF₃CH₂OCClF₂ using a relative‐rate technique. Chlorine atoms were generated by continuous photolysis of Cl₂ in a mixture containing the ether and CD₄. Changes in the concentrations of these two species were measured via changes in their infrared absorption spectra observed with a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Relative‐rate constants were converted to absolute values using the previously measured rate constants for the reaction, Cl + CD₄ → DCl + CD₃. Experiments were carried out at 295, 323, and 363 K, yielding the following Arrhenius expressions for the rate constants within this range of temperature:Cl + CF₃CH₂OCHF₂: k = (5.1₅ ± 0.7) × 10⁻¹² exp(−1830 ± 410 K/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ Cl + CF₃CHClOCHF₂: k = (1.6 ± 0.2) × 10⁻¹¹ exp(−2450 ± 250 K/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ Cl + CF₃CH₂OCClF₂: k = (9.6 ± 0.4) × 10⁻¹² exp(−2390 ± 190 K/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ The results are compared with those obtained previously for the reactions of Cl atoms with other halogenated methyl ethyl ethers. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 33: 165–172, 2001     

Rate coefficients for reactions of OH radicals with CH3D,CH2D2, CHD3, and CD4

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) smog chamber techniques were used to investigate the atmospheric chemistry of the isotopologues of methane. Relative rate measurements were performed to determine the kinetics of the reaction of the isotopologues of methane with OH radicals in cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ units: k(CH₃D + OH) = (5.19 ± 0.90) × 10⁻¹⁵, k(CH₂D₂ + OH) = (4.11 ± 0.74) × 10⁻¹⁵, k(CHD₃ + OH) = (2.14 ± 0.43) × 10⁻¹⁵, and k(CD₄ + OH) = (1.17 ± 0.19) × 10⁻¹⁵ in 700 Torr of air diluent at 296 ± 2 K. Using the determined OH rate coefficients, the atmospheric lifetimes for CH_4–xD_x (x = 1–4) were estimated to be 6.1, 7.7, 14.8, and 27.0 years, respectively. The results are discussed in relation to previous measurements of these rate coefficients.     

Tunable diode laser studies of the reaction of Cl atoms with CH3CHO

The reaction Cl + CH₃CHO → HCl + CH₃CO (1) was studied using flash photo‐lysis / tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy to monitor the production of HCl. The rate coefficient, k₁, was measured to be (7.5 ± 0.8) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 298 K. HCl (v = 0) and HCl^† (v = 1) were measured directly in this study and the yields of HCl (v = 0, 1, >1) for the reaction of Cl with CH₃CHO were determined to be 0.44 ± 0.15, 0.56 ± 0.15, and <0.04, respectively. The rate coefficient for the quenching of HCl^† (v = 1) by CH₃CHO was k_17e = (4.8 ± 1.2) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 766–775, 1999     

Kinetics of the reactions of Cl atoms with CH3Br and CH2Br2

The rate coefficients for the reactions of Cl atoms with CH₃Br, (k₁) and CH₂Br₂, (k₂) were measured as functions of temperature by generating Cl atoms via 308 nm laser photolysis of Cl₂ and measuring their temporal profiles via resonance fluorescence detection. The measured rate coefficients were: k₁ = (1.55 ± 0.18) × 10^?11 exp{(?1070 ± 50)/T} and k₂ = (6.37 ± 0.55) × 10^?12 exp{(?810 ± 50)/T} cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. The possible interference of the reaction of CH₂Br product with Cl₂ in the measurement of k₁ was assessed from the temporal profiles of Cl at high concentrations of Cl₂ at 298 K. The rate coefficient at 298 K for the CH₂Br + Cl₂ reaction was derived to be (5.36 ± 0.56) × 10^?13 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. Based on the values of k₁ and k₂, it is deduced that global atmospheric lifetimes for CH₃Br and CH₂Br₂ are unlikely to be affected by loss via reaction with Cl atoms. In the marine boundary layer, the loss via reaction (1) may be significant if the Cl concentrations are high. If found to be true, the contribution from oceans to the overall CH₃Br budget may be less than what is currently assumed. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Rate coefficients for the reactions of chlorine atoms with methanol and acetaldehyde

Rate coefficients have been measured for the reactions of Cl atoms with methanol (k₁) and acetaldehyde (k₂) using both absolute (laser photolysis with resonance fluorescence) and relative rate methods at 295 ± 2 K. The measured rate coefficients were (units of 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹): absolute method, k₁ = (5.1 ± 0.4), k₂ = (7.3 ± 0.7); relative method k₁ = (5.6 ± 0.6), k₂ = (8.4 ± 1.0). Based on a critical evaluation of the literature data, the following rate coefficients are recommended: k₁ = (5.4 ± 0.9) × 10⁻¹¹ and k₂ = (7.8 ± 1.3) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ (95% confidence limits). The results significantly improve the confidence in the database for reactions of Cl atoms with these oxygenated organics. Rate coefficients were also measured for the reactions of Cl₂ with CH₂OH, k₅ = (2.9 ± 0.6) × 10⁻¹¹ and CH₃CO, k₆ = (4.3 ± 1.5) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, by observing the regeneration of Cl atoms in the absence of O₂. Based on these results and those from a previous relative rate study, the rate coefficient for CH₃CO + O₂ at the high pressure limit is estimated to be (5.7 ± 1.9) × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 776–784, 1999     

Kinetics of the reactions of CH3O with Cl and CIO

The kinetics of the reactions CH₃O + Cl → H₂CO + HCl (1) and CH₃O + ClO → H₂CO + HOCl (2) have been studied using the discharge-flow techniques. CH₃O was monitored by laser-induced fluorescence, whereas mass spectrometry was used for the detection or titration of other species. The rate constants obtained at 298 K are: k₁ = (1.9 ± 0.4) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ and k₂ = (2.3 ± 0.3) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. These data are useful to interpret the results of the studies of the reactions of CH₃O₂ with Cl and ClO which, at least partly, produce CH₃O radicals. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Gas‐phase rate coefficients for a series of alkyl cyclohexanes with OH radicals and Cl atoms

The rate coefficients of the reactions of OH radicals and Cl atoms with three alkylcyclohexanes compounds, methylcyclohexane (MCH), trans‐1,4‐dimethylcyclohexane (DCH), and ethylcyclohexane (ECH) have been investigated at (293 ± 1) K and 1000 mbar of air using relative rate methods. A majority of the experiments were performed in the Highly Instrumented Reactor for Atmospheric Chemistry (HIRAC), a stainless steel chamber using in situ FTIR analysis and online gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC‐FID) detection to monitor the decay of the alkylcyclohexanes and the reference compounds. The studies were undertaken to provide kinetic data for calibrations of radical detection techniques in HIRAC. The following rate coefficients (in cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹) were obtained for Cl reactions: k_(Cl+MCH) = (3.51 ± 0.37) × 10^–10, k_(Cl+DCH) = (3.63 ± 0.38) × 10⁻¹⁰, k_(Cl+ECH) = (3.88 ± 0.41) × 10⁻¹⁰, and for the reactions with OH radicals: k_(OH+MCH) = (9.5 ± 1.3) × 10^–12, k_(OH+DCH) = (12.1 ± 2.2) × 10⁻¹², k_(OH+ECH) = (11.8 ± 2.0) × 10⁻¹². Errors are a combination of statistical errors in the relative rate ratio (2σ) and the error in the reference rate coefficient. Checks for possible systematic errors were made by the use of two reference compounds, two different measurement techniques, and also three different sources of OH were employed in this study: photolysis of CH₃ONO with black lamps, photolysis of H₂O₂ at 254 nm, and nonphotolytic trans‐2‐butene ozonolysis. For DCH, some direct laser flash photolysis studies were also undertaken, producing results in good agreement with the relative rate measurements. Additionally, temperature‐dependent rate coefficient investigations were performed for the reaction of methylcyclohexane with the OH radical over the range 273‐343 K using the relative rate method; the resulting recommended Arrhenius expression is k_{(OH + MCH)} = (1.85 ± 0.27) × 10^–11 exp((–1.62 ± 0.16) kJ mol⁻¹/RT) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The kinetic data are discussed in terms of OH and Cl reactivity trends, and comparisons are made with the existing literature values and with rate coefficients from structure‐activity relationship methods. This is the first study on the rate coefficient determination of the reaction of ECH with OH radicals and chlorine atoms, respectively.     

Absolute rate constants for F + CH3CHO and CH3CO + O2, relative rate study of CH3CO + NO,and the product distribution of the F + CH3CHO reaction

Using a pulse-radiolysis transient UV–VIS absorption system, rate constants for the reactions of F atoms with CH₃CHO (1) and CH₃CO radicals with O₂ (2) and NO (3) at 295 K and 1000 mbar total pressure of SF₆ was determined to be k₁=(1.4±0.2)×10⁻¹⁰, k₂=(4.4±0.7)×10⁻¹², and k₃=(2.4±0.7)×10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. By monitoring the formation of CH₃C(O)O₂ radicals (λ>250nm) and NO₂ (λ=400.5nm) following radiolysis of SF₆/CH₃CHO/O₂ and SF₆/CH₃CHO/O₂/NO mixtures, respectively, it was deduced that reaction of F atoms with CH₃CHO gives (65±9)% CH₃CO and (35±9)% HC(O)CH₂ radicals. Finally, the data obtained here suggest that decomposition of HC(O)CH₂O radicals via C C bond scission occurs at a rate of <4.7×10⁵ s⁻¹. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 30: 913–921, 1998     

Atmospheric chemistry of acetone: Kinetic study of the CH3C(O)CH2O2+NO/NO2 reactions and decomposition of CH3C(O)CH2O2NO2

Pulse radiolysis was used to study the kinetics of the reactions of CH₃C(O)CH₂O₂ radicals with NO and NO₂ at 295 K. By monitoring the rate of formation and decay of NO₂ using its absorption at 400 and 450 nm the rate constants k(CH₃C(O)CH₂O₂+NO)=(8±2)×10⁻¹² and k(CH₃C(O)CH₂O₂+NO₂)=(6.4±0.6)×10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ were determined. Long path length Fourier transform infrared spectrometers were used to investigate the IR spectrum and thermal stability of the peroxynitrate, CH₃C(O)CH₂O₂NO₂. A value of k₋₆≈3 s⁻¹ was determined for the rate of thermal decomposition of CH₃C(O)CH₂O₂NO₂ in 700 torr total pressure of O₂ diluent at 295 K. When combined with lower temperature studies (250–275 K) a decomposition rate of k₋₆=1.9×10¹⁶ exp (−10830/T) s⁻¹ is determined. Density functional theory was used to calculate the IR spectrum of CH₃C(O)CH₂O₂NO₂. Finally, the rate constants for reactions of the CH₃C(O)CH₂ radical with NO and NO₂ were determined to be k(CH₃C(O)CH₂+NO)=(2.6±0.3)×10⁻¹¹ and k(CH₃C(O)CH₂+NO₂)=(1.6±0.4)×10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The results are discussed in the context of the atmospheric chemistry of acetone and the long range atmospheric transport of NO_x. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet: 30: 475–489, 1998     

A study of the self reaction of CH2ClO2 and CHCl2O2 radicals at 298 K

A low‐pressure discharge‐flow system equipped with laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF) detection of NO₂ and resonance‐fluorescence detection of OH has been employed to study the self reactions CH₂ClO₂ + CH₂ClO₂ → products (1) and CHCl₂O₂ + CHCl₂O₂ → products (2), at T = 298 K and P = 1–3 Torr. Possible secondary reactions involving alkoxy radicals are identified. We report the phenomenological rate constants (k_obs) k_1obs = (4.1 ± 0.2) × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ k_2obs = (8.6 ± 0.2) × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ and the rate constants derived from modelling the decay profiles for both peroxy radical systems, which takes into account the proposed secondary chemistry involving alkoxy radicals k₁ = (3.3 ± 0.7) × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ k₂ = (7.0 ± 1.8) × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ A possible mechanism for these self reactions is proposed and QRRK calculations are performed for reactions (1), (2) and the self‐reaction of CH₃O₂, CH₃O₂ + CH₃O₂ → products (3). These calculations, although only semiquantitative, go some way to explaining why both k₁ and k₂ are a factor of ten larger than k₃ and why, as suggested by the products of reaction (1) and (2), it seems that the favored reaction pathway is different from that followed by reaction (3). The atmospheric fate of the chlorinated peroxy species, and hence the impact of their precursors (CH₃Cl and CH₂Cl₂), in the troposphere are briefly discussed. HC(O)Cl is identified as a potentially important reservoir species produced from the photooxidation of these precursors. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 433–444, 1999     

A diode laser study of the Cl + CH3CO reaction

Real-time kinetic measurements are reported for the Cl + CH₃CO → CH₂CO + HCl reaction. The experiments utilize infrared spectroscopy to determine the time dependence of the ketene formed via this reaction and of the CO produced from the subsequent rapid reaction between chlorine atoms and ketene. The reaction is investigated over a pressure range of 10–200 torr and a temperature range of 215–353 K. Within experimental error the rate constant under these conditions is k_5a = (1.8 ± 0.5) × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³ s⁻¹. We have also examined the Cl + CH₂CO reaction and found it to have a rate constant of k₆ = (2.5 ± 0.5) × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³ s⁻¹ independent of temperature. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 29: 421–429, 1997.     

Kinetic study of the reaction of chlorine atoms with CF3I and the reactions of CF3 radicals with O2, Cl2 and NO at 296 K

The kinetics of the gas-phase reaction of Cl atoms with CF₃I have been studied relative to the reaction of Cl atoms with CH₄ over the temperature range 271–363 K. Using k(Cl + CH₄) = 9.6 × 10^?12 exp(?2680/RT) cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, we derive k(Cl + CF₃I) = 6.25 × 10^?11 exp(?2970/RT) in which E_a has units of cal mol^?1. CF₃ radicals are produced from the reaction of Cl with CF₃I in a yield which was indistinguishable from 100%. Other relative rate constant ratios measured at 296 K during these experiments were k(Cl + C₂F₅I)/k(Cl + CF₃I) = 11.0 ± 0.6 and k(Cl + C₂F₅I)/k(Cl + C₂H₅Cl) = 0.49 ± 0.02. The reaction of CF₃ radicals with Cl₂ was studied relative to that with O₂ at pressures from 4 to 700 torr of N₂ diluent. By using the published absolute rate constants for k(CF₃ + O₂) at 1–10 torr to calibrate the pressure dependence of these relative rate constants, values of the low- and high-pressure limiting rate constants have been determined at 296 K using a Troe expression: k₀(CF₃ + O₂) = (4.8 ± 1.2) × 10^?29 cm⁶ molecule^?2 s^?1; k_∞(CF₃ + O₂) = (3.95 ± 0.25) × 10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1; F_c = 0.46. The value of the rate constant k(CF₃ + Cl₂) was determined to be (3.5 ± 0.4) × 10^?14 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 at 296 K. The reaction of Cl atoms with CF₃I is a convenient way to prepare CF₃ radicals for laboratory study. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Rate constants for the reactions of OH radicals with CH3OCF2CF3, CH3OCF2CF2CF3, and CH3OCF(CF3)2

The rate constants for the reactions of OH radicals with CH₃OCF₂CF₃, CH₃OCF₂CF₂CF₃, and CH₃OCF(CF₃)₂ have been measured over the temperature range 250–430 K. Kinetic measurements have been carried out using the flash photolysis, laser photolysis, and discharge flow methods combined respectively with the laser induced fluorescence technique. The influence of impurities in the samples was investigated by using gas‐chromatography. The following Arrhenius expressions were determined: k(CH₃OCF₂CF₃) = (1.90) × 10⁻¹² exp[−(1510 ± 120)/T], k(CH₃OCF₂CF₂CF₃) = (2.06) × 10⁻¹² exp[−(1540 ± 80)/T], and k(CH₃OCF(CF₃)₂) = (1.94) × 10⁻¹² exp[−(1450 ± 70)/T] cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 846–853, 1999     

Trimethylchlorosilane, (CH3)3SiCl: OH reaction kinetics and infrared spectrum

Rate coefficients for the OH + (CH₃)₃SiCl (trimethylchlorosilane) gas-phase reaction were measured over the temperature range 295–375 K using a pulsed laser photolysis laser-induced fluorescence technique. The room temperature rate coefficient was determined to be k₁(295 K) = (2.51 ± 0.13) × 10⁻¹³ cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1. The Arrhenius expression k₁(T) = (7.06 ± 2.15) × 10⁻¹² exp[–(992 ± 101)/T] cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1, where the quoted uncertainties are 2σ fit precision, describes the measured temperature dependence very well. As part of this work, the infrared spectra of CH₃)₃SiCl was measured.     

Oxidation of dimethyl ether: Absolute rate constants for the self reaction of CH3OCH2 radicals,the reaction of CH3OCH2 radicals with O2, and the thermal decomposition of CH3OCH2 radicals

The rate constant for the reaction of CH₃OCH₂ radicals with O₂ (reaction (1)) and the self reaction of CH₃OCH₂ radicals (reaction (5)) were measured using pulse radiolysis coupled with time resolved UV absorption spectroscopy. k₁ was studied at 296K over the pressure range 0.025–1 bar and in the temperature range 296–473K at 18 bar total pressure. Reaction (1) is known to proceed through the following mechanism: CH₃OCH₂ + O₂ ↔ CH₃OCH₂O₂^# → CH₂OCH₂O₂H^# → 2HCHO + OH (k_prod) CH₃OCH₂ + O₂ ↔ CH₃OCH₂O₂^# + M → CH₃OCH₂O₂ + M (k_RO2) k = k_RO2 + k_prod, where k_RO2 is the rate constant for peroxy radical production and k_prod is the rate constant for formaldehyde production. The k₁ values obtained at 296K together with the available literature values for k₁ determined at low pressures were fitted using a modified Lindemann mechanism and the following parameters were obtained: k_RO2,0 = (9.4 ± 4.2) × 10⁻³⁰ cm⁶ molecule⁻² s⁻¹, k_RO2,∞ = (1.14 ± 0.04) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, and k_prod,0 = (6.0 ± 0.5) × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, where k_RO2,0 and k_RO2,∞ are the overall termolecular and bimolecular rate constants for formation of CH₃OCH₂O₂ radicals and k_prod,0 represents the bimolecular rate constant for the reaction of CH₃OCH₂ radicals with O₂ to yield formaldehyde in the limit of low pressure. k_RO2,∞ = (1.07 ± 0.08) × 10⁻¹¹ exp(−(46 ± 27)/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ was determined at 18 bar total pressure over the temperature range 296–473K. At 1 bar total pressure and 296K, k₅ = (4.1 ± 0.5) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ and at 18 bar total pressure over the temperature range 296–523K, k₅ = (4.7 ± 0.6) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. As a part of this study the decay rate of CH₃OCH₂ radicals was used to study the thermal decomposition of CH₃OCH₂ radicals in the temperature range 573–666K at 18 bar total pressure. The observed decay rates of CH₃OCH₂ radicals were consistent with the literature value of k₂ = 1.6 × 10¹³exp(−12800/T)s⁻¹. The results are discussed in the context of dimethyl ether as an alternative diesel fuel. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Deactivation of I(2P1/2) by CH3Cl,CH2Cl2, CHCl3, CCl3F,and CCl4

Collisional deactivation of I(²P_1/2) by the title compounds was investigated through the use of the time-resolved atomic absorption of excited iodine atoms at 206.2 nm. Rate constants for atomic spin-orbit relaxation by CH₃Cl, CH₂Cl₂, CHCl₃, CCl₃F, and CCl₄ are 3.1±0.3×10⁻¹³, 1.28±0.08×10⁻¹³, 5.7±0.3×10⁻¹⁴, 3.9±0.4×10⁻¹⁵, and 2.3±0.3×10⁻¹⁵cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively, at room temperature (298 K). The higher efficiency observed for relaxation by CH₃Cl, CH₂Cl₂, and CHCl₃ reveals a contribution in the deactivation process of the first overtone corresponding to the C(SINGLEBOND)H stretching of the deactivating molecule (which lies close to 7603 cm⁻¹) as well as the number of the contributing modes and certain molecular properties such as the dipole moment. It is believed that, for these molecules, a quasi-resonant (E-v,r,t) energy transfer mechanism operates. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 30: 799–803, 1998     

1,1,1,3,3,-pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc): atmospheric degradation and contribution to radiative forcing

The rate constant for the reaction of the hydroxyl radical with 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc) has been determined over the temperature range 278–323K using a relative rate technique. The results provide a value of k(OH+CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₃)=2.0×10⁻¹²exp(−1750±400/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ based on k(OH+CH₃CCl₃)=1.8×10⁻¹² exp (−1550±150/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ for the rate constant of the reference reaction. Assuming the major atmospheric removal process is via reaction with OH in the troposphere, the rate constant data from this work gives an estimate of 10.8 years for the tropospheric lifetime of HFC-365mfc. The overall atmospheric lifetime obtained by taking into account a minor contribution from degradation in the stratosphere, is estimated to be 10.2 years. The rate constant for the reaction of Cl atoms with 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane was also determined at 298±2 K using the relative rate method, k(Cl+CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₃)=(1.1±0.3)×10⁻¹⁵ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The chlorine initiated photooxidation of CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₃ was investigated from 273–330 K and as a function of O₂ pressure at 1 atmosphere total pressure using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Under all conditions the major carbon-containing products were CF₂O and CO₂, with smaller amounts of CF₃O₃CF₃. In order to ascertain the relative importance of hydrogen abstraction from the (SINGLE BOND)CH₂(SINGLE BOND) and (SINGLE BOND)CH₃ groups in CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₃, rate constants for the reaction of OH radicals and Cl atoms with the structurally similar compounds CF₃CH₂CCl₂F and CF₃CH₂CF₃ were also determined at 298 K k(OH+CF₃CH₂CCl₂F)=(8±3)×10⁻¹⁶ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹; k(OH+CF₃CH₂CF₃)=(3.5±1.5)×10⁻¹⁶ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹; k(Cl+CF₃CH₂CCl₂F)=(3.5±1.5)×10⁻¹⁷ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹]; k(Cl+CF₃CH₂CF₃)<1×10⁻¹⁷ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The results indicate that the most probable site for H-atom abstraction from CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₃ is the methyl group and that the formation of carbonyl compounds containing more than a single carbon atom will be negligible under atmospheric conditions, carbonyl difluoride and carbon dioxide being the main degradation products. Finally, accurate infrared absorption cross-sections have been measured for CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₃, and jointly used with the calculated overall atmospheric lifetime of 10.2 years, in the NCAR chemical-radiative model, to determine the radiative forcing of climate by this CFC alternative. The steady-state Halocarbon Global Warming Potential, relative to CFC-11, is 0.17. The Global Warming Potentials relative to CO₂ are found to be 2210, 790, and 250, for integration time-horizons of 20, 100, and 500 years, respectively. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Temperature dependence of the reaction of NO with CFCl2CH2O2 and CH3CFClO2 radicals

The reaction of NO with the peroxy radical CFCl₂CH₂O₂, and with CH₃CFClO₂ was investigated at 8(SINGLEBOND)20 torr and 263(SINGLEBOND)321 K by UV flash photolysis of CFCl₂CH₃/O₂/NO gas mixtures. The kinetics were determined from observations of the growth rate of the CFCl₂CH₂O radical and the decay rate of NO by time-resolved mass spectrometry. The temperature dependence of the bimolecular rate coefficients, with their statistical uncertainties, can be expressed as (2.9 ± 0.7) e^(435±96)/T × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule ⁻¹s⁻¹, or (1.3 ± 0.2) (T/300)^{&minus(1.5±0.2)} × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ for NO + CFCl₂CH₂O₂, and (3.3 ± 0.6)e^(516±73)/T × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, or (2.0 ± 0.3) (T/300)^{&minus(1.8±0.3)} × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ for NO + CH₃CFClO₂. No pressure dependence of the rate coefficients could be detected over the 8(SINGLEBOND)20 torr range investigated. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

An FTIR study of the Cl atom-initiated oxidation of CH2Cl2 and CH3Cl

The Cl atom-initiated oxidation of CH₂Cl₂ and CH₃Cl was studied using the FTIR method in the photolysis of mixtures typically containing Cl₂ and the chlorinated methanes at 1 torr each in 700 torr air. The results obtained from product analysis were in general agreement with those reported by Sanhueza and Heicklen. The relative rate constant for the Cl atom reactions of CH₂Cl₂ and CH₃Cl was determined to be k(Cl +CH₃Cl)/k(Cl + CH₂Cl₂) = 1.31 ± 0.14 (2σ) at 298 ± 2 K.