LIF DETECTION OF METHOXY IN CH4 O2/NO2N2 FLAMES/

CH3O is detected by laser-induced fluorescence in premixed methane/oxy gen flames containing 10%-40% NO2, Spectral features between 290-300 n m can be assigned to the A-X 3(0)3 and 3(3)4 bands in excellent agreem ent with spectral simulations and previous experiments. Individual rot ational lines are only partially resolved in the flame; spectra at red uced temperatures are needed to assign spectral features and facilitat e temperature corrections to LIF profiles. No methoxy signal is observ ed without NO2 present; the reaction of CH3 with NO2 is though to prod uce CH3O in the CH4/NO2 system. Detection strategies and possible inte rferences in combustion environments are discussed.