Accession Number:

AD0780561

Title:

An Analysis of the Visible Chemiluminescence Observed in the Gas-Phase Oxidation of Aluminum and Its Compounds

Descriptive Note:

Final technical rept. Jul 1973-Jan 1974

Corporate Author:

AERODYNE RESEARCH INC BILLERICA MA

Personal Author(s):

• Kolb, C. E.
• Herschbach, D. R.
• Gersh, M. E.

Report Date:

1974-04-01

Pagination or Media Count:

45.0

Abstract:

A mechanism based on the population of and emission from the A doublet Pi andor lowest-lying quartet sigma and quartet Pi states of AlO is suggested as an explanation for the visible chemiluminescence often observed in the gas-phase oxidation of aluminum. Data from upper atmospheric chemical release experiments utilizing aluminized grenades, aluminized burners, and trimethylaluminum are examined, and AlO pumping steps based on the reaction of molecules containing loosely bound aluminum atoms with atomic oxygen are suggested. Previously proposed theories are shown to be unable to reproduce reasonably the observed data. The results of selected, recent laboratory experiments involving chemiluminescent reactions of metal atoms and dimers with electrophilic atoms and molecules are discussed in terms of the proposed mechanism. Several possible experiments to test the proposed mechanism are suggested.

Descriptors:

• *OXIDATION
• *ALUMINUM
• *CHEMILUMINESCENCE
• ALUMINUM COMPOUNDS
• ELECTRON TRANSITIONS
• UPPER ATMOSPHERE
• MOLECULAR ENERGY LEVELS
• ALUMINATES

Subject Categories:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics and Spectroscopy

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE