Journal of Physical Chemistry A, Vol.107, No.30, 5710-5716, 2003
H atom branching ratios from the reactions of CH with C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, and neo-C5H12 at room temperature and 25 torr
Branching ratios for H atom production from the reaction of CH(X(2)Pi) with C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, and neo-C5H12 have been measured relative to that from the CH + CH4 reaction using laser-induced fluorescence at 121.56 nm (Lyman alpha). Assuming that the reaction with methane proceeds solely to the formation of H + C2H4, then the observed branching ratios are as follows: C2H2 1.05 +/- 0.09, C2H4 1.09 +/- 0.14, C2H6 0.14 +/- 0.06, and neo-C5H12 -0.10 +/- 0.12 (errors refer to +/-1sigma). The results for the reaction of CH with acetylene and ethene are in good agreement with previous experimental and theoretical calculations. The yield of H atoms from the reaction of CH with ethane is consistent with a competition between C-H and C-C cleavage in an initially formed 1-propyl radical. The absence of H production for the reaction of CH with 2,2-dimethylpropane can be rationalized by the opening of isomerization pathways that lead to intermediates that dissociate only via C-C cleavage.