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Detection of Diatomic Radical Absorption Spectra during Combustion

Nature volume 169, pages 582–583 (1952)Cite this article

Abstract

THE spectra of the CH, C2 and CN radicals which, with OH and NH, form the main part of the emission from hydrocarbon flames and explosions, have hitherto eluded attempts at detection in combustion processes by means of their absorption spectra. This has usually been interpreted as meaning that they are present at very low concentration. We have previously described how the method of flash photolysis and spectroscopy1 may be used for the homogeneous initiation of explosions, the study of the OH radical in the hydrogen/oxygen reaction2 and the detection of the CN and NH radicals in absorption during ethylene/nitrogen dioxide explosions3. The very short life-time of the latter two radicals made it impossible to study their occurrence in detail, and to this end a modified apparatus has been constructed by which shorter times may be investigated. By this means it has been possible to follow the absorption spectra at intervals of 20 microsec. during the explosion from 30 microsec. after the beginning of the initiating flash.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Chemistry, University, Cambridge,

    R. G. W. NORRISH, G. PORTER & B. A. THRUSH

Authors
  1. R. G. W. NORRISH
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  2. G. PORTER
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  3. B. A. THRUSH
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NORRISH, R., PORTER, G. & THRUSH, B. Detection of Diatomic Radical Absorption Spectra during Combustion. Nature 169, 582–583 (1952). https://doi.org/10.1038/169582a0

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