Reactive scattering of ground state O(P-3) atoms with OCS and CS2 molecules has been studied at an initial translational energy E similar to 85 kJ mol(-1) using a supersonic beam of O atoms seeded in He buffer gas generated from a high temperature radio frequency discharge source. The center-of-mass angular distribution of SO scattering for O + OCS is cone shaped peaking at a scattering angle theta similar to 70 degrees with respect to the incident O atom direction, while that for O + CS2 peaks sharply in the forward direction theta = 0 degrees. A similar fraction f’ similar to 0.3 of the total available energy is disposed into product translation for each reaction despite the substantial difference in exoergicities. The cone shaped scattering for O + OCS, arises from direct dissociation of the early transition state which is formed by broadside approach of the O atom to the S atom of the OCS molecule. The sideways recoil of the SO product is carried into the forward hemisphere by the initial momentum of the O atom. The forward peaked scattering for O + CS2 arises from the precession of a weakly bound OSCS intermediate with a lifetime of one-third of a rotational period. In both cases reaction occurs over a (3)A " potential energy surface involving planar bent cis or trans intermediates with bending mode excitation resulting in high product rotational excitation.