The reaction N(4S)+O3: An upper limit for the rate constant at 298 K

The reaction of N(4S) atoms with ozone was examined at 298 K using discharge flow and flash photolysis techniques, both coupled with resonance fluorescence detection of N(4S). No reaction was detected in either system, and an upper limit of 5×10−16 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 was estimated for the rate constant. This is 103 times lower than the presently accepted value of 5.7×10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 which is based on a discharge flow‐mass spectrometric study of the reaction. Potential complications in the latter experiment are discussed.