Kinetics of the reactions H (D) + CH2OH (CD2OD) were studied at room t
emperature using the fast flow technique coupled with laser magnetic r
esonance and electron paramagnetic resonance detections. Rate coeffici
ents of 4.1 +/- 0.8, 8.1 +/- 1.1, and 4.8 +/- 1.6 (in 10(13) cm(3) mol
(-1) s(-1) units) were determined for the overall reactions H + CH2OH
--> products (1), D + CH2OH --> products (2), and D + CD2OD --> produc
ts (3), respectively. Branching ratios for OH formation were found to
be 25 +/- 5% in reaction 1 and 23 +/- 10% in reaction 2. Formation of
H atoms by H/D isotope exchange was found to account for approximate t
o 12% of reaction 2. On the basis of the kinetic results and simple th
eoretical considerations, the reaction between H atoms and hydroxymeth
yl radicals was suggested to occur to about 70% via direct disproporti
onation leading to formaldehyde formation and to about 30% via indirec
t mechanism through complex (CH3OH). Under the conditions used, CH3 a
nd OH were shown to be the products of the major channel of the comple
x-forming reaction path. Results determined for reaction H + CH2OH are
compared with those obtained previously for H + CH3O. Implications fo
r combustion systems are discussed briefly.