The reaction of O(P) with alkynes: a dynamic and computational study focusing on formyl radical production.

Production of formyl radical, HCO, from reactions of O(P) with alkynes (acetylene, propyne, 1-butyne, and 1-pentyne) has been investigated using cavity ringdown laser absorption spectroscopy (CRDLAS) and computational methods. No HCO was detected from reaction with acetylene, while the amount of HCO increased for propyne and 1-butyne, dropping off somewhat for 1-pentyne. These results differ from trends previously observed for reactions of O(P) with alkenes, which exhibit the largest HCO production for the smallest alkene and drop off as the alkene size increases.