On the rate of the reaction of ammonia with oxygen atoms

Absolute rate constants for the reaction of O(³P) with ammonia were measured over the temperature range 448–841 K by means of a laser photolysis-chemiluminescence technique. The data were fitted with the following Arrhenius expression: k = 3.42 × 10^?11 exp-(9000 ± 600 cal/mole)/RT] cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. Comparisons with literature data and predictions based upon the extrapolations to higher temperatures found in combustion are presented. The extrapolations are in agreement with recent shock-tube data and indicate that this reaction is more important in high-temperature ammonia oxidation than previously believed.