Abstract
Direct observations on the specific quantum states formed in the primary process following vacuum ultra-violet photolysis of COS are reported. The optically metastable S(31S0) atom has been observed in absorption and the kinetics of its decay in the presence of COS, H2, Ar, and Xe have been monitored. Rate constants which represent the sum of reaction and collisional relaxation are given for COS and H2 as 1.0 ± 0.2 × 10–11 and 4.0 ± 1 × 10–15 cm3 molecules–1 sec–1 respectively. S(31S0) is relatively less reactive towards H2 than S(31D2) despite the greater exothermicity for reaction. Indirect evidence for the rapid removal of S(31D2) from these systems is also discussed.

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