Reactions Involving Electronically-Excited Oxygen

The various electronically-excited states of oxygen atoms and molecules are briefly considered. Certain reactions involving some of these electronically-excited species are then discussed with reference to the experimental evidence and to the potential-energy surfaces on which they occur. In the case of the mercury-photosensitized formation of ozone from oxygen it is concluded that both experimental evidence and theoretical arguments point to the fact that the oxygen molecule initially formed is in an excited [Formula: see text] state. Consideration is also given to the mechanism of formation of O 2 * in the carbon monoxide flame and in other flames. The reactions[Formula: see text]and[Formula: see text]are also discussed briefly.