The formation of C3H3 (propynyl) radicals in the reaction of CH2(1A1) with acetylene

Results obtained from the photolysis of ketene with acetylene strongly support the formation of C₃H₃ radicals in the title reaction. Stationary state studies are interpreted in terms of the reaction with a rate constant (10^9.8 s^?1) which is compared to RRKM predictions. In pulsed laser induced decomposition experiments, recombination products involving C₃H₃ have been detected (some for the first time) and their formation modeled using step (3) with the same rate constant.