REACTION N(4S)+O3 - UPPER LIMIT FOR THE RATE CONSTANT AT 298-K

The reaction of N(4S) atoms with ozone was examined at 298 K using discharge flow and flash photolysis techniques, both coupled with resonance fluorescence detection of N(4S). No reaction was detected in either system, and an upper limit of 5×10-16 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 was estimated for the rate constant. This is 103 times lower than the presently accepted value of 5.7×10-13 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 which is based on a discharge flow-mass spectrometric study of the reaction. Potential complications in the latter experiment are discussed. © 1979 American Institute of Physics.