The recombination of atoms I. Iodine atoms in the rare gases

Abstract

The recombination of iodine atoms, in the presence of five rare gases, has been studied directly by means of the flash technique. The termolecular rate law — d[I]/d t = k [I] 2 [ M ] is accurately obeyed and the absolute rate constants k , at 20° C, are 1·73, 1·86, 2·42, 3·41 and 3·44 x 10 -32 ml. 2 molecules -2 s -1 for M = He, Ne, A, Kr and Xe respectively. These data are briefly discussed in terms of the various theories of termolecular reactions.