A SHOCK-TUBE STUDY OF THE REACTION OF METHYL RADICALS WITH HYDROXYL RADICALS

The reaction of CH3 with OH has been studied near 1200 K and 1 atmosphere pressure in shock tube experiments in which UV absorption was used to monitor [OH]. A rate coefficient of (1.1 +/- 0.3) X 10(13) cm3/mol-s was measured for removal of OH by CH3. This measured value is compared with previous experimental data and calculations. Several possible reaction channels are discussed, and although products were not monitored, it seems probable, on the basis of other work and theoretical estimates, that the primary mechanism (congruent-to 75%) for the removal of OH by CH3 at these conditions is their combination to form CH3OH. Rate coefficients of (5.3 +/- 0.8) X 10(12) and (9.0 +/- 1.4) X 10(12) cm3/mol-s were measured for the reactions of OH with acetone and ethane, respectively, at the same temperature and pressure.