KINETICS OF THE REACTIONS OF CH2(X3B1) WITH HCL AND HBR

The reactions fo CH2(X approximately 3B1) with HCl (1) and HBr (2) have been studied in an isothermal discharge flow system. CH2 radicals were generated via the reactions of O atoms with a large excess of CH2CO. Their concentration-versus-time profiles were measured under pseudo first-order conditions using Laser Magnetic Resonance (LMR) detection. The rate coefficients of reactions (1) and (2) were found to be k1exp = (1.7 +/- 0.3) . 10(12) . exp [-(436 +/- 45) K/T] cm3/mol . s in the temperature range 296 K less-than-or-equal-to T less-than-or-equal-to 670 K and k2 = (6.9 +/- 1.4) .10(12) cm3/mol. s at T = 296 K. CH3 + Cl or Br, respectively, are suggested to account for the main reaction products.