| Abstract: | The reaction of O(3P) atoms with isobutane has been studied by using the discharge-flow system described previously [1]. The rate constant was measured from determinations of the isobutane concentration in the presence of an excess of O atoms and is given by k1 = (7.9 ± 1.4) × 107 dm3/mol·s at 307 K. In order to explain the observed reaction products, the mechanism requires that the principal process be the successive abstraction of H atoms from isobutane and from the t-butyl radical to give isobutene. A minor part of the reaction between O(3P) and the t-butyl radical gives the t-butoxy radical, which decomposes to acetone. The branching ratios are  . |
