Real-time detection of methyl radicals by diode laser absorption at 608 cm−1☆

Abstract A time-resolved technique has been developed for the detection of CH 3 radicals in the gas phase by diode laser absorption at 608 cm −1 on a rotation-vibration transition of the v 2 mode of CH 3 . The usefulness of the technique as a probe of the reaction kinetics is demonstrated by the measurement of the recombination rate of CH 3 radicals and the third-body reaction rate of CH 3 with O 2 at room temperature.