Rate constants for the reactions of atomic boron with O2, SO2, CO2, and N2O

Abstract

The gas phase reactions of atomic boron with O₂, SO₂, CO₂, and N₂O have been studied using a diffusion flame technique. Atomic boron is produced in a microwave discharge of 1% B₂H₆ in helium and diffuses into a chamber containing the oxidizer also diluted in helium. The temperature was approximately 300 °K. The rate constants were determined from atomic absorption measurements of boron density in the flame. The rate constants for the O₂ and SO₂ reactions are (9±7) ×10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹sec⁻¹ and (7±5) ×10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹sec⁻¹, respectively. An upper limit of 5×10⁻¹³ cm³ molecule⁻¹sec⁻¹ is estimated for the rate constants of the CO₂ and N₂O reactions.