Abstract
A kinetic study of the Vaidya hydrocarbon flame bands emitted in the O–C2H2 reaction has been performed in a conventional fast‐flow system at about 300°K. The effect of the free‐radical scavengers NO and O2, as well as various other additives, has been studied. The emitter appears to have a direct precursor which is formed in the reaction sequence before the direct precursors of the other near‐ultraviolet and visible‐light emitters and the chemi‐ions. Previously suggested mechanisms for formation of the Vaidya band emitter are critically evaluated. The reactions O+CH2(X3Σg, vibrationally excited)→CHO*+H and/or O+C2H2O*→CHO*+CHO best explain the results.

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