Reevaluation of the rate constant for the reaction propene + NO3 by absolute rate determination

A rate constant for the reaction of NO₃ with propene has been determined by an absolute rate technique at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Experiments were performed in a Pyrex photoreactor coupled to two multiple reflection optical systems interfaced to a FTIR spectrometer and a UV–visible grating spectrometer. These two spectrometric devices allowed us a time‐resolved monitoring of propene and NO₃ radicals. We propose the following rate constant: k = (6.4 ± l.l) × l0^?15 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. This value is in good agreement with three published values but is about 30% lower than three other determinations and than the value recommended by frequently used bibliographic evaluations. As propene has been widely used as a reference compound in many other kinetic studies, implications of this reevaluation are briefly discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 73–81, 2009