Formation of I(2P1/2) Atoms in the F + I2 and H + I2 Reactions

The infrared emission of I(2P1/2) atoms at 1.315 μm has been observed in a fast-flow reactor from the reaction of F atoms with iodine molecules. No emission at 1.315 μm was observed from the reaction of H atoms with iodine molecules. A lower limit of 0.03 was found for the branching ratio of the F + I2 reaction whereas an upper limit of 0.005 was determined for that of the H + I2 reaction leading to I* formation.