TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENT STUDIES OF THE REACTION OF W(A D-5(J), A S-7(3)) WITH O-2

The gas-phase reactivities of W(a(5)D(J), a(7)S(3)) with O-2 in the temperature range 298-573 K are reported. Tungsten atoms were produced by the photodissociation of W(CO)(6) and detected by laser-induced fluorescence. The disappearance rate constant of the s(1)d(5)a(7)S(3) state is of the order of the gas kinetic rate constant. The removal rate constants for the s(2)d(4)a(5)D(J) states are J dependent. The a(5)D(J) states are not as reactive as the s(1)d(5)a(7)S(3) state and are found to be temperature dependent. The disappearance rates of all states in the presence of O-2 are found to be pressure independent with buffer gas. Physical quenching rate constants for the excited states in the presence of Ar, He, N-2, and SF6 are also reported. Results are discussed in terms of the different electron configurations of the states.