Rate constant for the reaction of hydroxyl radical with formaldehyde over the temperature range 228–362 K

Absolute rate constants for the reaction OH+H2CO have been measured over the temperature range 228–362 K using the flash photolysis–resonance fluorescence technique. The results were independent of variations in [H2CO], total pressure [Ar] and flash intensity (i.e., initial [OH]). The rate constant was found to be invariant with temperature in this range, the best representation being k1?0.11)×10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 where the error is two standard deviations. This result is compared with previous absolute and relative determinations of k1. The reaction is also discussed from a theoretical point of view.