O2(1∑ +g) relaxation in collisions. Part 2.—Temperature dependence of the relaxation by hydrogen

Abstract

Rate constants for the quenching of O₂(¹∑⁺_g) by hydrogen have been measured between 173 and 393 K. The rate constants can be represented by the Arrhenius equation k= 3.09 × 10⁹ exp (–1110/RT) dm³ mol^–1 s^–1 over this temperature range. Contributions from two different quenching mechanisms have been calculated. The largest contribution to the quenching rate in this temperature range has been found to be due to the interaction of the transition quadrupoles of O₂ and H₂. Short range interactions appear to make a smaller contribution to the quenching reaction. The combination of both these quenching mechanisms yields rate constants which agree well with the experimental results.