HALOCARBENE PRODUCTION IN FREE-JET EXPANSIONS FROM A HOT NOZZLE

The efficient production of the carbenes CCl2, CBr2 and CBrCl in a sup ersonic free jet using a hot nozzle has been demonstrated. A variety o f bromine- and chlorine-containing halomethanes have been investigated and characterized as precursors. The observed chemistry appears to be in general agreement with expectations based on the known unimolecula r decomposition mechanisms. Laser-induced fluorescence excitation spec tra have been observed for all three species. For the latter two carbe nes, the medium resolution spectra provide detail and information not previously available.