The gas phase reactivity of Rh(a4F9/2) with N2O, O2 and NO is reported. Removal rate
constants for the excited states of rhodium below 13,000cm-1 are also reported. The
reaction rate of Rh(a4F9/2) with N2O is relatively temperature insensitive. The rate
constants for the bimolecular reaction are described in Arrhenius form by
(1.3±0.3)×10−12exp(−1.3±0.8KJ/mol/RT)cm3s−1 The reaction rates of the a4F9/2
state with O2 and NO are pressure dependent. For O2, the limiting low-pressure thirdorder,
K0, and limiting high-pressure second-order, K∞, room temperature rate constants in
argon buffer are (6.6±0.6)×10−30cm6s−1 and (2.1±0.2)×10−11cm3s−1, respectively.
For NO, K2 and K∞ are (1.3±0.2×10−30cm6s−1) and (2.1±0.4)×10−11cm3s−1,
respectively. The removal rates of the excited states are faster than the ground state by a
factor of 2 or more.