| Abstract: | The mechanism of the OH‐initiated oxidation of isoprene in the presence of NO and O2 has been investigated using a discharge‐flow system at 298 K and 2 torr total pressure. OH radical concentration profiles were measured using laser‐induced fluorescence as a function of reaction time. The rate constant for the reaction of OH + isoprene was measured to be (1.10 ± 0.05) × 10?10 cm3 mol?1 s?1. In the presence of NO and O2, regeneration of OH radicals by the reaction of isoprene‐based peroxy radicals with NO was measured and compared to simulations of the kinetics of this system. The results of these experiments are consistent with an overall rate constant of 9 × 10?12 cm3 mol?1 mol?1 (with an uncertainty factor of 2) for the reaction of isoprene‐based hydroxyalkyl peroxy radicals with NO. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 637–643, 1999 |
