Reaction of methoxy radicals with oxygen. I. Using dimethyl peroxide as a thermal source of methoxy radicals

Using dimethyl peroxide as a thermal source of methoxy radicals overthe temperature range of 110–160°C, and the combination of methoxy radicals and nitrogen dioxide as a reference reaction: a value was determined of the rate constant for the reaction of methoxy radicals with oxygen: is independent of nitrogen dioxide or oxygen concentration and added inert gas (carbon tetrafluoride). No heterogeneous effects were detected. The value of k₄ is given by the expression In terms of atmospheric chemistry, this corresponds to a value of 10^5.6 M^?1·sec^?1 at 298 K. Extrapolation to temperatures where the combustion of organic compounds has been studied (813 K) produces a value of 10^7.7 M^?1·sec^?1 for k₄. Under these conditions, reaction (4) competes with hydrogen abstraction or disproportionation reactions of the methoxy radical and its decomposition (3): In particular k₃ is in the falloff region under these conditions. It is concluded that reaction (4) takes place as the result of a bimolecular collision process rather than via the formation of a cyclic complex.