The general theory of unimolecular reactions is re‐examined to determine what type of information about rate constants for specific activated states may be determined from the experimental reaction rate‐pressure curves. It is found that the possibilities in this respect are very limited. Contrary to a recent statement by Johnston, data on decomposition of nitrogen pentoxide in the presence of nitric oxide are adequately fitted by the Kassel theory. Data on decomposition of nitrous oxide, however, cannot be fitted by this theory. Failure of the theory in this case is the result of too small a range of decomposition rate constants for various activated states.
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