Role of hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radicals in slow combustion of methane

Abstract

The combustion of methane has been re-investigated in a static system, using a boric-acid-coated reaction vessel. An estimate is made of the relative importance and concentration of OH and HO₂ radicals in the oxidation of methane and the intermediate products formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. The ratio of rate constants of the reactions HO₂+HCHO →H₂O₂+HCO (6) HO₂+CO →OH+CO₂(10) is k₆/k₁₀= 280. Both hydrogen peroxide and formaldehyde are probably involved in branching reactions while reaction (10) causes inhibition in the later stages of combustion.