Kinetics of the reaction of C6H5 with HBr and DBr

The rate constants for the reaction of C₆H₅ with HBr and DBr have been measured with the cavity–ring–down method in the temperature range of 297 to 523 K and 297 to 500 K, respectively. These rate constants can be effectively represented, in units of cm³/s, by Both activation energies are similar and positive, contrary to those of alkyl radical reactions, all of which exhibit negative temperature dependencies. The difference, as pointed out before [1], could be accounted for by the electron-withdrawing effect of the phenyl vis-à-vis the electron-donating ability of the alkyls. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The reaction of cyclopentyl radicals with carbon tetrachloride

The photolysis of azocyclopentane in the presence of cyclopentane–carbon tetrachloride mixtures has been investigated in the gas phase. Product analysis data have been used to determine the Arrhenius parameters for the reactions The rate data for chlorine atom abstraction from CCl₄ by the cyclopentyl radical were compared with available data for other alkyl radicals in both the gas and the solution phases. The results indicate that the rate constant for chlorine atom abstraction in the gas phase is fairly insensitive to the nature of the attacking alkyl radical and that the activation energy for a secondary radical is about 4 kcal/mol higher than the corresponding reaction in the solution phase.     

Acetaldehyde oxidation in the negative temperature coefficient regime: Experimental and modeling results

Acetaldehyde oxidation has been studied in experiments at temperatures of 553 and 713 K carried out in a low pressure, static reactor and in numerical modeling calculations using a detailed chemical kinetic reaction mechanism. The results of the experimental study were used to construct and validate the reaction mechanism, which was then used to examine acetaldehydeoxidation in the negative temperature coefficient regime between 550 and 900 K. This mechanism was also tested against independent measurements of acetaldehyde oxidation carried out by Baldwin, Matchan, and Walker. The overall rate of reaction and the properties of the negative temperature coefficient regime were found to be sensitive to the competition between radical decomposition reactions and the addition of molecular oxygen to acetyl and methyl radicals, including particularly During these experiments, an upper limit to the rate of decomposition ofCH₃O₂H was measured at 553 K. Implications of the results for future kinetic modeling of engine knock are discussed.     

Comparing Positively and Negatively Charged Distonic Radical Ions in Phenylperoxyl Forming Reactions

In the gas phase, arylperoxyl forming reactions play a significant role in low-temperature combustion and atmospheric processing of volatile organic compounds. We have previously demonstrated the application of charge-tagged phenyl radicals to explore the outcomes of these reactions using ion trap mass spectrometry. Here, we present a side-by-side comparison of rates and product distributions from the reaction of positively and negatively charge tagged phenyl radicals with dioxygen. The negatively charged distonic radical ions are found to react with significantly greater efficiency than their positively charged analogues. The product distributions of the anion reactions favor products of phenylperoxyl radical decomposition (e.g., phenoxyl radicals and cyclopentadienone), while the comparable fixed-charge cations yield the stabilized phenylperoxyl radical. Electronic structure calculations rationalize these differences as arising from the influence of the charged moiety on the energetics of rate-determining transition states and reaction intermediates within the phenylperoxyl reaction manifold and predict that this influence could extend to intra-molecular charge-radical separations of up to 14.5 Å. Experimental observations of reactions of the novel 4-(1-carboxylatoadamantyl)phenyl radical anion confirm that the influence of the charge on both rate and product distribution can be modulated by increasing the rigidly imposed separation between charge and radical sites. These findings provide a generalizable framework for predicting the influence of charged groups on polarizable radicals in gas phase distonic radical ions.

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Graphical Abstract

     

Substituent effects in the gas-phase eliminations of alpha;-substituted alkyl chlorides the pyrolyses of 2-chloro-3-methylbutane and pinacolyl chloride

The gas-phase pyrolyses of 2-chloro-3-methylbutane and pinacolyl chloride in the temperature range of 345-390°C and pressure range of 60-220 mm Hg are homogeneous and unimolecular in a seasoned reaction vessel. The temperature dependence of the rate constants is given by the Arrhenius equations and respectively. The Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement was not observed in these eliminations. Some correlations for the pyrolysis of α-substituted alkyl chlorides are presented and discussed. These facts are consistent with the heterolytic nature of the cyclic transition state mechanisms for these reactions.     

On the gas-phase free radical displacement reaction CH3 + CD3COCD3 → CD3 + CH3COCD3

The gas-phase free radical displacement reaction has been studied in the temperature range of 240–290°C and at 140°C with the thermal decomposition of azomethane (AM) and di-tert-butylperoxide (DTBP), respectively, as methyl radical sources. The reaction products of the CD₃ radicals were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Assuming negligible isotope effects, Arrhenius parameters for the elementary radical addition reaction were derived: The data are discussed with respect to the back reaction and general features of elementary addition reactions.     

Evaluation of phenylorganotellurium compounds as radical precursors in dialkylzinc-mediated radical addition to CN double bonds

Diethylzinc-mediated radical addition to CN bonds was investigated in the presence of phenylorganotellurium compounds as radical precursors. As group transfer agents, secondary alkyl phenyl tellurides were shown to be about twice as reactive as the corresponding alkyl iodides towards ethyl radical. Their use was proven to be advantageous regarding both chemoselectivity and yield. The replacement of diethylzinc by dimethylzinc, offers no advantage in these reactions.     

Gas-phase thermolysis of sulfur compounds. Part VIII. Chloromethyl allyl,cyanomethyl allyl, 1-cyanoethyl allyl and neopentyl allyl sulfides

The pyrolyses of four alkyl allyl sulfides with substituents on the α? C atom of the alkyl moiety have been studied in a stirred-flow system over the temperature range 340-400°C and pressures between 2 and 12 torr. The only products formed are propene and thioaldehydes. The reactions showed first-order kinetics with the rate coefficients following the Arrhenius equations: Chloromethyl allyl sulfide: Cyanomethyl allyl sulfide: 1-cyanoethyl allyl sulfide: Neopentyl allyl sulfide: The effects of these and other substituents on the reactivity is discussed in relation with the stabilization of a polar six-centered transition state. The results support a non-concerted mechanism where the 1–5 α? H atom shift is assisted by its acidic character.     

The kinetics of the gas phase decomposition reactions of the hexafluoro-t-butoxy radical

Hexafluoro-t-butoxy radicals have been generated by reacting fluorine with hexafluoro-2-methyl isopropanol: Over the temperature range of 406–600 K the hexafluoro-t-butoxy radical decomposes exclusively by loss of a CF₃ radical [reaction (-2)] rather than by loss of a CH₃ radical [reaction (-1)]: (1) The limits of detectability of the product CF₃COCF₃, by gas-chromatographic analysis, place a lower limit on the ratio k_?2/k_-1 of ～80. The implications of this finding in relation to the reverse radical addition reactions to the carbonyl group are briefly discussed. A thermochemical kinetic calculation reveals a discrepancy in the kinetics and thermodynamics of the decomposition and formation reactions of the related t-butoxy radical:      

The kinetics of secondary reactions in the iodination of monogermane. The effect of iodine substitution on the Ge?H bond dissociation energy

A study has been made both of secondary reactions occurring during the reaction of I₂ with GeH₄, and of the direct reaction between I₂ and GeH₃I. Both these studies show that the abstraction reaction occurs about 30 times faster than the reaction in the temperature range of 425–446 K. This information is used to show that iodine substitution weakens Ge–H bonds by 14.4 ± 2.5 kJ/mol and that D(H₂IGe? H) = 332 ± 10 kJ/mol (79.3 kcal/mol). Possible reasons for the effects of halogen substituents on Ge? H and Si? H bond strengths are discussed.     

A kinetic and mechanistic study of the formation of alkyl nitrates in the photo-oxidation of n-heptane studied under atmospheric conditions

The photo-oxidation of n-heptane in synthetic air containing methyl nitrite and nitric oxide has been ivestigated in an atmospheric flow reactor. By measuring the total yields of heptyl nitrate products, relative to the depletion of the n-heptane, the rate constant ratio, k_3b/k_3a has been determined for the reactions: (1) Over the temperature range 253–325 K and at a total pressure of 730 Torr, the following relative Arrhenius equation has been obtained from the present study together with literature data: These results confirm that the formation of alkyl nitrates from the photo-oxidation of n-alkanes arise from a primary reaction between the alkylperoxy radicals and nitric oxide. Furthermore the present experiments show that the lifetime of the intermediate in this type of reaction, presumed to be an alkyl peroxynitrite, ROONO, must be less than a few seconds.     

The kinetics of the addition of alkyl radicals to carbonyl groups. I. The kinetics of the gas phase decomposition reactions of the trifluoro-t-butoxy radical

Trifluoro-t-butoxy radicals have been generated by reacting fluorine with 2-trifluoromethyl propan-2-ol: Over the temperature range 361-600 K the trifluoro-t-butoxy radical decomposes exclusively by loss of the ? CF₃ group [reaction (?2)] rather than by loss of ? CH₃ group [reaction (?1)]: The limits of detectability of the product CF₃COCH₃, by gas-chromatographic analysis, place a lower limit on the ratio k_?2/k_?1 of ca. 75. The implications of these results in relation to the reverse radical addition reactions to the carbonyl group are discussed along with the thermochemistry of the reactions.     

Kinetics of radiation-induced abstraction of hydrogen atoms by CCl3 radicals in the liquid phase: 2,3-dimethylbutane

The kinetics of the gamma-radiation induced free radical reactions in carbon tetrachloride solutions of 2,3-dimethylbutane (DMB) were studied in the temperature range 32–118 °C. The kinetics of the following reactions were measured: and the following rate constants expression was obtained: . The activation energy and the A factor obtained are in good agreement with the values obtained at the gaseous phase, considering the activation energy for self-diffusion of CCl₄.     

Homogeneous,unimolecular gas‐phase elimination kinetics of ethyl esters of glyoxylic, 2‐oxo‐propanoic,and 3‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐butanoic acids

The rates of elimination of several ethyl esters of 2‐oxo‐carboxylic acid were determined in a seasoned static reaction vessel over the temperature range 350–430°C and pressure range 33–240 Torr. The reactions, in the presence of a free‐radical inhibitor, are homogeneous, unimolecular, and follow a first‐order rate law. The overall and partial rate coefficients are expressed by the Arrhenius equation. Ethyl glyoxalate Ethyl 2‐oxo‐propionate Ethyl 3‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐butyrate The mechanisms of these elimination reactions are described in terms of concerted cyclic transition state structures. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 39: 268–275, 2007     

Effects of Olefins on the Thermal Decomposition of Propane Part IV. Influence of Propylene

On the basis of the thermal decomposition of mixtures of propylene and propane with molar ratios of 0.0–0.33 in the temperature range 779–812K, the influencing functions describing the inhibition by propylene of the decomposition of propane were determined. The rate-reducing effect is explained mainly by the reactions (in which ^.R = ^.H, ^.CH₃ and 2-?₃H₇) and also by the addition reactions It was established that the bulk of the allyl radicals formed participate in the chain step, but, due to their lower reactivity, they restore the decomposition chain more slowly than the original radicals do. From the characteristic change in the ratio υ/υ, the rate ratios of hydrogenabstraction reaction by radicals from propylene and propane could be determined. In these reactions there was no significant difference between the selectivities of the radicals. For an interpretation of the changes, the decomposition mechanism must be completed with the reaction Evaluation of the influencing curves revealed that the initiation reactions must be taken into account. By parameter estimation we have determined the rate ratios characterizing the above initiation reactions, the unimolecular decomposition of propane, hydrogen abstraction by radicals from propane and propylene, intermolecular isomerization of the 2-propyl radical via propane and propylene, and abstraction of propane hydrogens by the ethyl and methyl radicals; these are given in Tables II.     

Radiation-induced dechlorination of carbon tetrachloride in cyclohexane and n-hexane mixtures. III. The kinetics of liquid-phase reactions of trichloromethyl radicals

The kinetics of gamma-radiation-induced free-radical chain reactions in solutions of carbon tetrachloride in mixtures of varying composition of cyclohexane and n-hexane was investigated in the temperature range of 296°–413°K. Trichloromethyl radicals were produced by the reaction of radiolytically generated alkyl radicals with the solute. The kinetics of the following reactions were studied: The following rate expression was obtained: The error limits are the standard deviation from the least mean-square Arrhenius plots. The present results, combined with previously measured activation parameters for hydrogen-atom abstraction from c-C₆H₁₂ and n-C₆H₁₄ by CCl₃ radicals relative to CCl₃ combination, afford experimental evidence that the decay of trichloromethyl species in alkane solutions is a diffusion-limited process. The thesis that activation energies of reactions (4) and (5) in the liquid phase are equal to their respective values in the gas phase is confirmed.     

The photochemistry of methyl cyclobutyl ketone. Part 2. Temperature dependence and the acetyl radical decomposition

Following earlier room-temperature studies, gaseous mixtures of methyl cyclobutyl ketone (MCK) diluted in argon have been photolyzed at temperatures up to 205°C. Experiments have been carried out at a variety of pressures (up to ca. 2 atm) at wavelengths of 313 nm (steady state conditions) and 308 nm (pulsed photolysis). The results are consistent with a mechanism dominated by radical-radical reactions involving acetyl, methyl, and cyclobutyl radicals. Acetyl radical processes predominate at lower temperatures while methyl radical reactions are more important at high temperatures. The results are interpreted via kinetic modelling of a mechanism in which a key role is played by the acetyl radical decomposition reaction Values for k₃ have been obtained and its temperature and pressure dependence are fitted by RRKM theory and a weak-collisional activation model to yield This high-pressure limiting Arrhenius equation is consistent with other studies in the same temperature range, but is difficult to reconcile with higher temperature investigations.     

Kinetics of the DS-radical reactions with CINO and NO2

The rate constants for the reactions of the DS radical with NO₂ (reaction 1) and ClNO (reaction 2) have been measured using the discharge-flow technique at 2 torr total pressure of helium. The DS radical was monitored by laser-induced fluorescence. The reactions were found to have the following bimolecular rate constants (95% confidence level, in units of cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1): This expression for k₁ is found to be in excellent agreement with one of several previous studies. The magnitude of k₂ is examined within the framework of a well-established reactivity trend. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A First‐Principles Study on the Interaction between Alkyl Radicals and Graphene

The interaction between alkyl radicals and graphene was studied by means of dispersion‐corrected density functional theory. The results indicate that isolated alkyl radicals are not likely to be attached onto perfect graphene. It was found that the covalent binding energies are low, and because of the large entropic contribution, Δ${G{{{\ominus}\hfill \atop 298\hfill}}}$ is positive for methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, and tert‐butyl radicals. Although the alkylation may proceed by moderate heating, the desorption barriers are low. For the removal of the methyl and tert‐butyl radicals covalently bonded to graphene, 15.3 and 2.4 kcal mol^?1 are needed, respectively. When alkyl radicals are agglomerated, the binding energies are increased. For the addition in the ortho position and on opposite sides of the sheet, the graphene–CH₃ binding energy is increased by 20 kcal mol^?1, whereas for the para addition on the same side of the sheet, the increment is 9.4 kcal mol^?1. In both cases, the agglomeration turns the Δ${G{{{\ominus}\hfill \atop 298\hfill}}}$ <0. For the ethyl radical, the ortho addition on opposite sides of the sheet has a negative Δ${G{{{\ominus}\hfill \atop 298\hfill}}}$ , whereas for isopropyl and tert‐butyl radicals the reactions are endergonic. The attachment of the four alkyl radicals under consideration onto the zigzag edges is exergonic. The noncovalent adsorption energies computed for ethyl, isopropyl, and tert‐butyl radicals are significantly larger than the graphene–alkyl‐radical covalent binding energies. Thus, physisorption is favored over chemisorption. As for the Δ${G{{{\ominus}\hfill \atop 298\hfill}}}$ for the adsorption of isolated alkyl radicals, only the tert‐butyl radical is likely to be exergonic. For the phenalenyl radical we were not able to locate a local minimum for the chemisorbed structure since it moves to the physisorbed structure. An important conclusion of this work is that the consideration of entropic effects is essential to investigate the interaction between graphene and free radicals.     

Reaction of CF3 radicals with H2O and D2O

The reaction of CF₃ radicals with H₂O (D₂O) has been studied over the range of 533–723 K using the photolysis and the pyrolysis of CF₃I as the free radical source. Arrhenius parameters for the reactions where X = H or D, relative to CF₃ radical recombination are given by where k/k is in cm^3/2/mol^1/2·s^1/2 and θ = 2.303RT/cal/mol. The activation energy and the primary kinetic isotope effect have been compared with those derived from the BEBO method.