DIRECT OBSERVATION OF S(31D2) AND DETERMINATION OF THE ABSOLUTE RATE OF REACTION WITH OCS

We report the first direct kinetic study of electronically excited sulphur atoms in the 3 1D2 state. The formation and decay of S(31D2), following ultraviolet photolysis of OCS (λ ≈ 200 - 260 nm), were monitored using time-resolved atomic absorption photometry in the vacuum ultraviolet (λ = 167 nm). The absolute rate reaction with OCS was determinded at 290 K as k = (1.2 ± 0.3) X 10-10 cm3 molecule-1 s-1, close to unit collision efficiency. © 1979.