Determination of the absolute rate for the addition of S(33PJ) to ethylene

Abstract

The absolute rate for the addition of sulphur atoms S(3³P_J) to ethylene has been determined by means of kinetic spectroscopy in the vacuum ultra-violet. Further reaction of S(3³P_J) with the ethylene episulphide formed is extremely rapid and provides a mechanism for the catalyzed recombination of sulphur atoms under certain conditions, viz.,[graphic ommitted]. The rate constant for reaction (2) is determined as k₂= 1.2±0.15 × 10^–12 cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1. Further consideration is given to the primary step in the photolysis of CS₂.