Generation and quenching of NF(a) and NF(b) molecules

The Ar(3Po,2) + NF2 and 2F + HN3 reactions have been developed as sources of NF(b1Σ+) and NF(a1Δ) molecules, respectively, in a flow reactor. The decay kinetics for these molecules in the presence of added reagent can be studied using standard flow reactor techniques. Room temperature quenching rate constants for both molecules are reported for several reagents and compared to results for the isoelectronic O2(a) and O2(b) molecules