A method for computer analysis of kinetics of competing first‐ and second‐order reactions

Abstract
Competing first‐ and second‐order reactions of transient molecular species (e.g., triplet states and free radicals) are a common occurrence in kinetic studies such as flash photolysis and pulse radiolysis. We have developed a method for analyzing the decay kinetics of any species (Y) whose disappearance is described by −dY/dt = k1Y + k2Y2. The computer program (written in time‐sharing BASIC) employs an iterative technique to obtain the least‐squares estimates of the three parameters in the integrated rate equation.