Generation of NBr(a1Δ) by the reaction of N3 radicals with Br atoms: a flow reactor source for quenching rate constant measurements

The reaction between azide radicals (N3) and Br atoms is shown to produce electronically excited NBr(a1Δ) molecules in a room temperature flow reactor. This chemical system provides adequate concentration of NBr(a1Δ) so that this molecule can be systematically studied. The yield of NBr(b1Σ+) is minor. The quenching reactions of NBr(a) with HCl, HBr, HI, NH3, Br2, CF2Br2, and O2 were examined; the rate constants are (22±5)×10−14, (280±30)×10−14, (2300±200)×10−14, (35±3)×10−14, (2600±300)×10−14, (37±6)×10−14, and (230±30)×10−14 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, respectively.