The mercury‐sensitized oxidation of carbon monoxide

Abstract

The mercury‐photosensitized oxidation of CO was studied at 275°C over a wide range of [O2]/[CO] ratios in the absence and presence of the oxygen atom scavenger 2‐trifluoromethylpropene (TMP) and at 25°C at low [O2]/[CO] ratios in the presence of TMP. By following the quantum yield of CO2 production, Φ {CO2}, as a function of the [O2]/[CO] ratio, the reactions of vibrationally excited CO (v υ 9) and electronically excited O2, probably in the c1Σ−u state, were studied. At low [O2]/[CO] ratios the predominant reactions are of vibrationally excited CO (v υ 9). Relative rate constants for chemical reaction versus deactivation of CO (v υ 9) were obtained. At higher [O2]/[CO] ratios, the principal reactions are of electronically excited O2. Relative rate constants for chemical reactions and deactivation of this electronically excited O2 with CO, O2, and TMP were obtained. From the effect of total pressure on Φ {CO2}, it is proposed that an intermediate CO3 is formed in the reaction of electronically excited O2 with CO.