Theoretical and Experimental Rate Constants for Two Isotopic Modifications of the Reaction H + H ₂

Abstract

Theoretical rate constants for two isotopic modifications of the simplest possible chemical reaction, namely, H + D(2) --> HD + D and D + H(2) --> HD + H, are presented. Experimental results, which have previously been obtained in the higher temperature regime by a shock tube technique, are combined with lower temperature results to give an experimental determination of the rate behavior over the large temperature range approximately 200 to 2000 K. It is now possible to assess the accuracy of ab initio potential energy surface calculations and to judge theoretical chemical kinetic methods.