Fourier transform infrared-probed O(3P) microreactor: demonstration with ethylene reactions in argon matrix.
To demonstrate the development of an oxygen atom microreactor in the form of liquid-helium-cooled solid argon matrix deposited on an infrared (IR) window, the oxidation of ethylene by mobile O atoms has been investigated. O atom diffusion through the argon matrix is confirmed and used to examine ethylene-oxygen atom reactions. In a bench-scale matrix isolation system probed with a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer, matrices of solid Ar at 8-10 K doped with NO2 and ethylene have been prepared on a ZnSe window within an evacuated cryostat. The matrices have been photolyzed using 350-450 nm photons, and the reaction products resulting from the reaction of O(3P), one of the photolysis products of NO2, with ethylene have been identified using FT-IR and a Gaussian 98W simulation program. These products include oxirane, acetaldehyde, ethyl nitrite radical, and ketene. The temperature effect in the range of 10-30 K on the products formed has also been investigated. The reaction mechanisms are discussed and the viability of the solid Ar matrix being a low temperature microreactor to examine reaction mechanisms of mobile oxygen atoms is elaborated.
Gossage
John L
JL
Department of Chemical Engineering, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, USA.
Gomes
Jewel A G
JA
Cocke
David L
DL
Li
Kuyen
K
Lin
Che-Jen
CJ
Tadmor
Rafael
R
Basu
Abir
A
Bhat
Shagun
S
Tandel
Satish
S
Jayabalu
Prashanth
P
Balu
Harimadhav
H
D001128:Argon / Q000737:chemistry*; D001695:Biology; D035843:Biomedical Research; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005030:Ethylenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D008904:Miniaturization; D010100:Oxygen / Q000032:analysis*; D010782:Photolysis; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared / Q000379:methods*
D005030:Ethylenes; D001128:Argon; C036216:ethylene; D010100:Oxygen