Fate of isolated CH(B-2 Sigma(-),v=0,J) states in inelastic collisions with CO

The kinetic fate of the single rotational states 0<=N<=7 of electronically excited CH(B2Sigma-,v = 0) radicals has been studied in the gas phase at room temperature in the presence of CO. Rate constants of the state-to-state relaxation are presented. Further, rate constants were determined for the electronic quenching of single-N states and are compared with the corresponding data for CH(A2Delta,v = 0). The radiative lifetimes of the rotational levels are given, too. All these processes were found to be more efficient for the B state than those for the A state. Further, collisional mixing of the B with the A state is described quantitatively.