The rate constant for the self-recombination of hydroxyl radicals ((OH)-O-center dot) in aqueous solution giving H2O2 product has been measured from 150 to 350 degrees C by direct measurement of the (OH)-O-center dot radical transient optical absorption at 250 nm. The values of the rate constant are smaller than previously predicted by extrapolation to the 200-350 degrees C range and show virtually no change in this range. In combining these measurements with previous results, the non-Arrhenius behavior can be well described in terms of the Noyes equation k(obs)(-1) = k(act)(-1)+ k(diff)(-1), using the diffusion-limited rate constant k(diff) estimated from the Smoluchowski equation and an activated barrier rate k(act) nearly equal to the gas-phase high-pressure limiting rate constant for this reaction. The aqueous (OH)-O-center dot radical spectrum between 230 and 320 nm is reported up to 350 degrees C. A weak band at 310 nm grows in at higher temperature, while the stronger band at 230 nm decreases. An isosbestic point appears near 305 nm. We assign the 230 nm band to hydrogen-bonded (OH)-O-center dot radical, and the 310 nm band is assigned to "free" (OH)-O-center dot. On the basis of the spectrum change relative to room temperature, over half of the (OH)-O-center dot radicals are in the latter form at 350 degrees C.