Error analysis of absolute rate coefficient extrapolated under pseudo-first order conditions

Abstract

Computer based simulations for the reaction of nitrogen(II) oxide with the hydroxyl radical have been used to estimate the error associated with the pseudo-first order approximation under different simulated conditions. For the absolute rate coefficients, calculated by dividing the pseudo-first order constant by the concentration of the reactant in excess, the analysis of the relative error associated with working under pseudo-first order conditions shows that for a reactants’ ratio higher than 10, the relative error is less than 5%.