Decomposition of the t-butoxy radical — I. Studies over the temperature range 402–443 K

By allowing the t-butoxy radical to decompose in the presence of nitric oxide, it has been possible to determine rate constants for decomposition by the measurements of the relative rates (2) and (3) Process (3) is clearly pressure dependent. The value of k₃(∞) has been determined in the presence of several inert gases (CF₄, SF₆, N₂, and Ar) and a value of k₃ interpolated for atmospheric conditions. The results may be compared with those for other relevant alkoxy radicals at room temperature. Extrapolated values for k₃ in the presence of CF₄ lead to the result