EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY OF THE REACTIONS OF N2(A-3-SIGMA-U+) WITH H-ATOMS AND OH RADICALS

The reactions of N2(A 3-SIGMA-u+) with H atoms and OH radicals have been studied by the discharge-flow technique. The concentrations of the radicals were measured by resonance fluorescence and N2(A) was monitored by (A - X) emission. The rate constant of the N2(A) + H reaction was measured as (2.1 +/- 0.3) x 10(-10) cm3 s-1. Chemical reaction to NH + N was shown to be unimportant. The total rate constant for quenching of N2(A) by OH was measured as (1.1 +/- 0.4) x 10(-10) cm3 s-1. The channel leading to OH(2-SIGMA+) has a rate constant of (1.0 +/- 0.3) x 10(-10) cm3 s-1. Approximately 16% of the OH(A) is formed in upsilon' = 1. The mechanisms of these two very rapid reactions are discussed.