H3++O: an experimental study

We have measured the reaction rate coefficient and branching ratios for the H3++O atom reaction using a flowing afterglow/selected ion flow tube operating at room temperature (295±5 K). The measured rate coefficient was k=(1.2±0.5)×10−9 cm3 s−1 and the branching ratios were OH++H2, (70%) and H2O++H (30%). This reaction has some relevance to the synthesis of water in interstellar clouds.