Branching ratios in the N + CH3 reaction - Formation of the methylene amidogen (H2CN) radical

The discharge-flow mass spectrometer system described by Brunning and Stief (1986) and Nejad et al. (1988) is used to determine the branching ratios for the reaction N + CH3. The results are presented in extensive tables and graphs and characterized in detail, and the implications for HCN formation in the atmosphere of Titan are considered. It is found that the main reaction channel at room temperature is H2CN + H, with about 10 percent giving HCN + H2; no isotope effects are seen when CH3 is replaced with CD3, and the branching ratios appear to be temperature-independent.