Ion-molecule reactions with CF$_{3}$ radical

The first measurements of reaction rate coefficients and products are reported for reactions of the radical CF$_{3}$ with Ar$^{+}$, Xe$^{+}$, O$_{2}^{+}$, NO$^{+}$, CO$_{2}^{+}$, and C$_{2}$F$_{5}^{+}$, at 300 K. The work was carried out in a fast flow of typically 1.5 Torr helium buffer gas (4{\%} argon) using the variable electron and neutral density attachment mass spectrometry (VENDAMS) technique. CF$_{3}$ was produced via dissociative electron attachment to CF$_{3}$I, resulting in CF$_{3}$ concentrations that were well-quantified because the plasma diffusion rate, the electron concentration, and the rate coefficient for attachment to CF$_{3}$I were separately measured in the experiment. The Ar$^{+} + $ CF$_{3}$ reaction was found to proceed at nearly the calculated collisional rate coefficient, yielding 90{\%} CF$_{2}^{+}$ along with CF$_{3}^{+}$. Reaction of CF$_{3}$ with C$_{2}$F$_{5}^{+}$ is slower and yields 75{\%} C$_{2}$F$_{4}^{+}$ along with CF$_{3}^{+}$. CF$_{3}$ undergoes charge transfer reaction with Xe$^{+}$, O$_{2}^{+}$, NO$^{+}$, and CO$_{2}^{+}$, yielding CF$_{3}^{+}$. Arguments will be made regarding reaction mechanisms, including the role of spin conservation. Comparisons with Ar$^{+}$ and O$_{2}^{+}$ reaction with CH$_{3}$ will be made.