Kinetic studies of ground-state phosphorus atoms

Abstract

The kinetics of reactions (at 293 K) involving ground-state phosphorus atoms P(⁴S_3/2) have been studied using resonance-fluorescence detection in a discharge–flow system for the first time. P atoms were formed by means of a discharge in helium with a trace of phosphorus trihalide. The rate constants k(cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1)(1σ) have been determined using pseudo-first-order kinetic analysis for the following reactions: [graphic omitted] The values for k are systematically smaller in comparison with those from a previously published study. Possible reasons for the discrepancies have been investigated.