Absolute rate coefficients for the reactions of O(1D) with a series of n-alkanes

Pulsed laser generation of O(D-1) coupled to detection of HO by laser induced fluorescence was employed to measure rate coefficients, k(n), for the reactions (Rn, n = 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6) O(D-1) + n-CnH(2n+2) -> HO + (other products). Independent of T (220-300 K) the values obtained (units 10(-10) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)) were: k(1) = (1.7 +/- 0.3); k(2) = (3.4 +/- 0.7); k(3) = (4.3 +/- 0.9); k(5) = (5.1 +/- 0.9); and k(6) = (6.0 +/- 0.9). For k(1) satisfactory agreement with the literature was obtained. By contrast, k(2) and k(3) were a factor of approximate to 2 smaller than reported in earlier absolute determinations. These results were used to extend the reported correlation between O(D-1) reaction cross-section and ionisation potential of collider species. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.