Collisional Deactivation of N(22P) Atoms by Simple Molecules

Cross sections for the quenching of N(22P) by a variety of simple organic and inorganic compounds have been determined by using a pulse radiolysis-optical absorption technique. It was found that N(22P) is less reactive than N(22D) in every case, despite its higher energy. The quenching cross sections for unsaturated hydrocarbons were found to be about one tenth of that for gas kinetic collisions, while those for saturated hydrocarbons and most inorganic substances were much smaller. The quenching cross sections for alkane hydrocarbons increase with the number of C–H bonds, and show a minor dependence on C–H bond strengths.