Dissociation energy of NaO2
Abstract
Photometric observations on traces of alkali metals in lean H2+N2+O2 flames at ca. 2000°K have confirmed that significant amounts of NaO2 are formed by the reaction, Na+O2+M → NaO2+M. From measured values of the equilibrium constant for this reaction the dissociation energy [graphic omitted] has been calculated as 65±3 kcal mole–1. Results for potassium in these flames yield values of the termolecular rate constant for KO2 formation, but do not yield equilibrium data because of the greater stability of KO2.