The gaseous reaction of vinyl radical with oxygen

The gaseous reaction of vinyl radical with oxygen has been experimentally i nvestigated. C2H3 radical was produced by laser photolysis of C2H3Br at 248 nm. The vibrationally excited products of the reaction were detected by ti me-resolved Fourier transform infrared emission spectroscopy. H2CO(nu (1)), HCO(nu (1),nu (3)), and CO2(nu (3)) are ascertained as the main emitters. The most favorable product channel is HCO and H2CO. The reaction channel le ading to CO2+CH3 has been found for the first time. The minor reactions lea ding to C2H2+HO2, C2H3O+O, and C2H2O2+H may also occur. A secondary reactio n product of CO is observed, which is generated from the primary reaction p roduct HCO. Combining theoretical analysis with the present experimental re sults, the reaction pathways are clarified. The results are of importance f or understanding the combustion processes of hydrocarbon. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.