Reaction of hydrogen atoms and O2(1Δg)

The reaction of atomic hydrogen with O₂(¹Δ_g) has been investigated as a function of temperature, using a fast discharge-flow apparatus equipped for EPR detection of free radical species. The rate constant for the overall reaction was measured as (1.46 ± 0.49) × 10^?11 exp(-4000 ± 200 cal/mol/RT) cm³/s. Evidence is presented which suggests that the reaction occurs principally via abstraction, H + O₂(¹Δ_g) → OH + O, rather than via physical quenching, H + O₂(¹Δ_g) → H + O₂(X³Σ_g^?).