The mechanism of the homogeneous,unimolecular gas‐phase elimination kinetic of 1,1‐dimethoxycyclohexane: experimental and theoretical studies

The gas‐phase elimination of 1,1‐dimethoxycyclohexane yielded 1‐methoxy‐1‐cyclohexene and methanol. The kinetics were determined in a static system, with the vessels deactivated with allyl bromide, and in the presence of the free radical inhibitor cyclohexene. The working temperature was 310–360 °C and the pressure was 25–85 Torr. The reaction was found to be homogeneous, unimolecular, and follows a first‐order rate law. The temperature dependence of the rate coefficients is given by the following Arrhenius equation: log k(s^?1) = [(13.82 ± 0.07) – (193.9 ± 1.0)(kJ mol^?1)](2.303RT)^?1; r = 0.9995. Theoretical calculations were carried out using density functional theory (DFT) functionals B3LYP, MPW1PW91, and PBE with the basis set 6‐31G(d,p) and 6‐31G++(d,p). The calculated values for the energy of activation and enthalpy of activation are in reasonably good agreement with the experimental values using the PBE/6‐31G (d,p) level of theory. Both experimental results and theoretical calculations suggest a molecular mechanism involving a concerted polar four‐membered cyclic transition state. The transition state structure of methanol elimination from 1,1‐dimethoxycyclohexane is characterized by a significantly elongated C? O bond, while the C_β? H bond is stretched to a smaller extent, as compared to the reactant. The process can be described as moderately asynchronic with some charge separation in the TS. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Theoretical calculations for neighboring group participation in gas‐phase elimination kinetics of 2‐hydroxyphenethyl chloride and 2‐methoxyphenethyl chloride

Theoretical calculation of the kinetics and mechanisms of gas‐phase elimination of 2‐hydroxyphenethyl chloride and 2‐methoxyphenethyl chloride has been carried out at the MP2/6‐31G(d,p), B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p), B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p), B3PW91/6‐31G(d,p) and CCSD(T) levels of the theory. The two substrates undergo parallel elimination reactions. The first process of elimination appears to proceed through a three‐membered cyclic transition state by the anchimeric assistance of the aromatic ring to produce the corresponding styrene product and HCl. The second process of elimination occurs through a five‐membered cyclic transition state by participation of the oxygen of o‐OH or the o‐OCH₃ to yield in both cases benzohydrofuran. The B3PW91/6‐31G(d,p) method was found to be in good agreement with the experimental kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for both substrates in the two reaction channels. However, some differences in the performance of the different methods are observed. NBO analysis of the pyrolysis of both phenethyl chlorides implies a C? Cl bond polarization, in the sense of C^δ+…Cl^δ?, which is a rate‐determining step for both parallel reactions. Synchronicity parameters imply polar transition states of these elimination reactions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Combined experimental and theoretical studies of the elimination kinetic of 2‐methoxytetrahydropyran in the gas phase

The products formed in 2‐methoxytetrahydropyran elimination reaction in the gas phase are 3, 4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran and methanol. The kinetic study was carried out in a static system, with the vessels deactivated with allyl bromide, and the presence of the free radical suppressor toluene. Temperature and pressure ranges were 400–450 °C and 25–83 Torr, respectively. The process is homogeneous, unimolecular, and follows a first‐order rate law. The observed rate coefficient is represented by the following equation: log k (s^?1) = (13.95 ± 0.15) ? (223.1 ± 2.1) (kJ mol^?1) (2.303RT)^?1. The reactant exists mainly in two low energy chair‐like conformations, with the 2‐methoxy group in axial or equatorial position. However, the transition state (TS) for the elimination of the two conformers is the same. Theoretical calculations of this reaction were carried for two possible mechanisms from these conformations by using DFT functionals B3LYP, MPW1PW91, and PBE with the basis set 6‐31G(d,p) and 6‐31G++(d,p). The calculation results demonstrate that 2‐methoxytetrahydropyran exists mainly in two conformations, with the 2‐methoy group in axial or equatorial position, that are thermal in equilibrium. The average thermodynamic and kinetic parameters, taking into account the populations of the conformers in the equilibrium, are in good agreement with experimental values at B3LYP/6‐31++(d,p) level of theory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The mechanisms of the homogeneous,unimolecular, elimination kinetics of several β‐substituted diethyl acetals in the gas‐phase

The rates of gas‐phase elimination of several β‐substituted diethyl acetals have been determined in a static system and seasoned with allyl bromide. The reactions, inhibited with toluene, are homogeneous, unimolecular, and follow first‐order law kinetics. These elimination processes involve two parallel reactions. The first parallel reaction yields ethanol and the corresponding ethyl vinyl ether. The latter product is an unstable intermediate and further decomposes to ethylene and the corresponding substituted aldehyde. The second parallel reaction gives ethane and the corresponding ethyl ester. The kinetics has been measured over the temperature range of 370–441 °C and pressure range of 23–160 torr. The rate coefficients are given by the following Arrhenius equations: The differences in the rates of ethanol formation may be attributed to electronic transmission of the β‐substituent. The comparative kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the parallel reactions suggest two different concerted polar four‐membered cyclic transition state types of mechanisms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Kinetics of the gas‐phase homogeneous unimolecular elimination of selected ethyl esters of 2‐oxo‐carboxylic acids

The gas‐phase elimination kinetics of selected ethyl esters of 2‐oxo‐carboxylic acid have been studied over the temperature range of 270–415 °C and pressures of 37–114 Torr. The reactions are homogeneous, unimolecular, and follow a first‐order rate law in a seasoned static reaction vessel, with an added free radical suppressor toluene. The observed overall and partial rate coefficients are expressed by the following Arrhenius equations:

• Ethyl oxalyl chloride
• log k_overall (s^?1) = (13.22 ± 0.45) ? (179.4 ± 4.9) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1
• Ethyl piperidineglyoxylate
• log k_(CO2) (s^?1) = (12.00 ± 0.30) ? (191.2 ± 3.9) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1
• log k_(CO) (s^?1) = (12.60 ± 0.09) ? (210.7 ± 1.2) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1
• log k_t(overall) (s^?1) = (12.22 ± 0.26) ? (193.4 ± 3.4) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1
• Ethyl benzoyl formate
• log k_(CO2) (s^?1) = (12.89 ± 0.72) ? (203.8 ± 9.0) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1
• log k_(CO) (s^?1) = (13.39 ± 0.31) ? (213.3 ± 3.9) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1
• log k_t(overall) (s^?1) = (13.24 ± 0.60) ? (205.8 ± 7.6) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1

The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of these reactions, together with those reported in the literature, lead to consider three different mechanistic pathways of elimination. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Joint theoretical and experimental study of the gas‐phase elimination kinetics of tert‐butyl ester of carbamic,N, N‐dimethylcarbamic,N‐hydroxycarbamic acids and 1‐(tert‐butoxycarbonyl)‐imidazole

The gas‐phase elimination kinetics of the title compounds were carried out in a static reaction system and seasoned with allyl bromide. The working temperature and pressure ranges were 200–280 °C and 22–201.5 Torr, respectively. The reactions are homogeneous, unimolecular, and follow a first‐order rate law. These substrates produce isobutene and corresponding carbamic acid in the rate‐determining step. The unstable carbamic acid intermediate rapidly decarboxylates through a four‐membered cyclic transition state (TS) to give the corresponding organic nitrogen compound. The temperature dependence of the rate coefficients is expressed by the following Arrhenius equations: for tert‐butyl carbamate logk₁ (s^?1) = (13.02 ± 0.46) – (161.6 ± 4.7) kJ/mol(2.303 RT)^?1, for tert‐butyl N‐hydroxycarbamate logk₁ (s^?1) = (12.52 ± 0.11) – (147.8 ± 1.1) kJ/mol(2.303 RT)^?1, and for 1‐(tert‐butoxycarbonyl)‐imidazole logk₁ (s^?1) = (11.63 ± 0.21)–(134.9 ± 2.0) kJ/mol(2.303 RT)^?1. Theoretical studies of these elimination were performed at Møller–Plesset MP2/6‐31G and DFT B3LYP/6‐31G(d), B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) levels of theory. The calculated bond orders, NBO charges, and synchronicity (Sy) indicate that these reactions are concerted, slightly asynchronous, and proceed through a six‐membered cyclic TS type. Results for estimated kinetic and thermodynamic parameters are discussed in terms of the proposed reaction mechanism and TS structure. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Computational study of the mechanism of thermal decomposition of xanthates in the gas phase (the Chugaev reaction)

A theoretical study on the mechanism of the thermal decomposition of a series of xanthates, O‐alkyl S‐methyl and S‐alkyl O‐methyl dithiocarbonates, has been carried out, and the alkyl groups being ethyl, isopropyl, and tert‐butyl. Kinetically, these xanthates can be classified in two groups: those where the oxygen atom is involved in the bonding changes of the transition state (properly the Chugaev reaction), and those where it is not, O‐alkyl S‐methyl and S‐alkyl O‐methyl dithiocarbonates, respectively. We have studied not only the thermal elimination reactions but also the other possible reactions such as the thione‐to‐thiol rearrangement and the nucleophilic substitution to give ethers or thioethers. Two possible mechanisms for the thermal elimination reactions, in one and in two steps, respectively, have been studied. Calculations were made at the MP2/6‐31G(d) level of theory, and the progress of the reactions has been followed by means of the Wiberg bond indices. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Gas‐phase structure and new vibrational study of methyl trifluoroacetate (CF3C(O)OCH3)

The molecular structure of methyl trifluoroacetate (CF₃C(O)OCH₃) has been determined in the gas phase from electron‐diffraction data supplemented by ab initio (MP2) and DFT calculations using different basis sets. Experimental data revealed an anti conformation with a dihedral angle θ (CCOC) = 180°. Quantum mechanical calculations indicate the possible existence of two conformers, differing by a rotation about the C(O) O bond. The global minimum represents a C_s‐symmetric structure in which the CF₃ group has the anti orientation with respect to the CH₃ group, but there is another potential minimum, much higher in energy, representing a C_s‐symmetric structure with a cis conformation. The preference for the anti conformation was studied using the total energy scheme and the natural bond orbital (NBO) partition scheme. Additionally, the total potential energy has been deconvoluted using a six‐fold decomposition in terms of a Fourier‐type expansion, showing that the electrostatic and steric contributions are dominant in stabilizing the anti conformer. Infrared spectra of CF₃C(O)OCH₃ were obtained for the gaseous and liquid phases, while the Raman spectrum was recorded for the liquid phase. Harmonic vibrational frequencies and a scaled force field have been calculated, leading to a final root mean‐square deviation of 9 cm⁻¹ when comparing experimental and calculated frequencies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Catalysis by hydrogen chloride in the gas‐phase elimination kinetics of 2‐phenyl‐2‐propanol and 3‐methyl‐1‐buten‐3‐ol

A homogeneous, molecular, gas‐phase elimination kinetics of 2‐phenyl‐2‐propanol and 3‐methyl‐1‐ buten‐3‐ol catalyzed by hydrogen chloride in the temperature range 325–386 °C and pressure range 34–149 torr are described. The rate coefficients are given by the following Arrhenius equations: for 2‐phenyl‐2‐propanol log k₁ (s^?1) = (11.01 ± 0.31) ? (109.5 ± 2.8) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1 and for 3‐methyl‐1‐buten‐3‐ol log k₁ (s^?1) = (11.50 ± 0.18) ? (116.5 ± 1.4) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1. Electron delocalization of the CH₂?CH and C₆H₅ appears to be an important effect in the rate enhancement of acid catalyzed tertiary alcohols in the gas phase. A concerted six‐member cyclic transition state type of mechanism appears to be, as described before, a rational interpretation for the dehydration process of these substrates. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A comparative study on the gas‐phase and liquid‐phase thermal isomerization reaction of α‐pinene

In this paper, a method of preparation of ocimene is investigated, which is obtained from isomerization reaction of α‐pinene. Two kinds of experimental apparatus are established for the investigation of the thermal isomerization reaction of α‐pinene. The behavior of thermal isomerization reaction of α‐pinene is respectively discussed in the gas phase and in the liquid phase. Under gas phase conditions, the conversion of α‐pinene is 80% and the selectivity of ocimene is 30%–33%. Under liquid phase conditions, the conversion of α‐pinene is 60% and the selectivity of ocimene is 50%–54%. According to the kinetic‐molecular theory of ideal gases, two kinds of reaction models are proposed to visualize the reaction process. In addition, the mechanism and kinetics of thermal isomerization reaction of α‐pinene are respectively discussed. The conclusion is that the gas phase reaction temperature is calculated to be 390–450 °C and the liquid phase reaction temperature is calculated to be 450–550 °C. From a bond dissociation energy point of view, results support the hypothesis that the reaction involves biradical intermediates. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A combined experimental and theoretical study of the alkylation of 3,5‐dithioxo‐[1,2,4]triazepines

The chemo‐ and regioselective alkylation reactions of 3,5‐dithioxo[1,2,4]triazepine 1 in a basic medium with α,ω‐dibromoalkanes 2a – c , Br(CH₂)_nBr (n = 1–3), are studied experimentally and theoretically. These alkylations, which occur at the thioxo sulfur atom in position 5, afford mainly 5‐bromomethylthio‐2,7‐dimethyl‐ 2,3‐dihydro‐ 4H[1,2,4]triazepin‐3‐one 3 for n = 1, 6,8‐dimethyl‐5‐thioxo‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐6H[1,3]thiazolo[4,5‐d][1,2,4]triazepine 4 for n = 2 and 7,9‐dimethyl‐6‐thioxo‐2,3,4,5,6,7‐hexahydro[1,3]thiazino [4,5‐d][1,2,4]triazepine 5 for n = 3. Theoretical calculations have been carried out at the B3LYP/6‐31G* and B3LYP(benzene)/6‐311+G*//B3LYP/6‐31G* levels, in order to rationalize the experimental observations. Both chemo‐ and regio‐selectivities of the alkylation reactions are analyzed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Substituent effect on electron affinity,gas‐phase basicity,and structure of monosubstituted propargyl radicals and their anions: a theoretical study

The substituent effect of electron‐withdrawing groups on electron affinity and gas‐phase basicity has been investigated for substituted propargyl radicals and their corresponding anions. It is shown that when a hydrogen of the α‐CH₂ group or acetylenic CH in the propargyl system is substituted by an electron‐withdrawing substituent, electron affinity increases, whereas gas‐phase basicity decreases. The calculated electron affinities are 0.95 eV (CH?C? CH₂?), 1.15 eV (CH?C? CHF?), 1.38 eV (CH?C? CHCl?), 1.48 eV (CH?C? CHBr?) for the isomers with terminal CH and 1.66 eV (CF?C? CH₂?), 1.70 eV (CCl?C? CH₂?), 1.86 eV (CBr?C? CH₂?) for the isomers with terminal CX at B3LYP level. The calculated gas‐phase basicities for their anions are 378.4 kcal/mol (CH?C? CH₂:^?), 371.6 kcal/mol (CH?C? CHF:^?), 365.1 kcal/mol (CH?C? CHCl:^?), 363.5 kcal/mol (CH?C? CHBr:^?) for the isomers with terminal CH and 362.6 kcal/mol (CF?C? CH₂:^?), 360.4 kcal/mol (CCl?C? CH₂:^?), 356.3 kcal/mol (CBr?C? CH₂:^?) for the isomers with terminal CX at B3LYP level. It is concluded that the larger the magnitude of electron‐withdrawing, the greater is the electron affinity of radical and the smaller is the gas‐phase basicity of its anion. This tendency of the electron affinities and gas‐phase bacisities is greater in isomers with the terminal CX than isomers with the terminal CH. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental and theoretical study of the mechanism for the kinetic of elimination of methyl carbazate in the gas phase

The elimination kinetic of methyl carbazate in the gas phase was determined in a static system over the temperature range of 340–390 °C and pressure range of 47–118 Torr. The reaction is homogeneous, unimolecular, and obeys a first order rate law. The decomposition products are methyl amine, nitrous acid, and CO gas. The variation of the rate coefficients with temperatures is given by the Arrhenius expression: log k₁ (s^?1) = (11.56 ± 0.34) ? (180.7 ± 4.1) kJ mol^?1(2.303 RT)^?1. The estimated kinetics and thermodynamics parameters are in good agreement to the experimental values using B3LYP/6‐31G (d,p), and MP2/6‐31G (d,p) levels of theory. These calculations imply a molecular mechanism involving a concerted non‐synchronous quasi three‐membered ring cyclic transition state to give an unstable intermediate, 1,2‐oxaziridin‐3‐one. Bond order analysis and natural charges implies that polarization of O (alkyl)? C (alkyl) bond of the ester is rate determining in this reaction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Theoretical calculations of the kinetics and mechanisms of the gas phase elimination of primary,secondary, and tertiary 2‐hydroxyalkylbenzenes

Theoretical study of the elimination kinetics of 2‐phenylethanol, 1‐phenyl‐2‐propanol, and 2‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐propanol in the gas‐phase has been carried out at the MP2/6‐31G(d,p), B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p), B3LYP/6‐31++G(d,p), MPW1PW91/6‐31G(d,p), MPW1PW91/6‐31++G(d,p), PBEPBE/6‐31G(d,p), and PBEPBE/6‐31++G(d,p) levels of theory. The three substrates undergo two parallel elimination reactions. The first elimination appears to proceed through a six‐membered cyclic transition state to give toluene and the corresponding aldehyde or ketone. The second parallel elimination takes place through a four‐membered cyclic transition state producing water and the corresponding unsaturated aromatic hydrocarbon. Results from MP2/6‐31G(d,p) and MPW1PW91/6‐31++G(d,p) methods were found to be in good agreement with the experimental kinetic and thermodynamic parameters in the formation of toluene and the corresponding carbonyl compound. However, the results for PBEPBE/6‐31G(d,p) were in better agreement with the experimental data for the second parallel reaction yielding water and the corresponding unsaturated aromatic hydrocarbon. The charge distribution differences in the TS related to the substitution by methyl groups in the substrates can account for the observed reaction rate coefficients. The synchronicity parameters imply semi‐polar transition states for these elimination reactions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Kinetics and mechanism of gas‐phase pyrolysis of ylides. Part 3.1 Thermal reactivity of α‐carbonyl‐ and thiocarbonyl‐stabilized methylenetriphenylphosphoranes

Fourteen ketone/thione‐stabilized triphenylphosphonium methylides were subjected to conventional gas‐phase and flash vacuum pyrolysis (FVP). The kinetics of the first‐order thermal gas‐phase reactions of all these compounds were investigated over 360–653 K temperature range. The values of the Arrhenius log A and energy of activation of these ylides averaged 11.52 ± 0.34 s^?1 and 133.20 ± 3.14 kJ mol^?1, respectively. The products of sealed‐tube (static) and FVP were analyzed and compared. A mechanism is proposed to account for the products of reaction. The rate constants [k (s^?1)] of the substrates at 500 K were calculated and used to substantiate the proposed mechanism of pyrolysis, and to rationalize the thermal gas‐phase reactivities of the ylides under study. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of gas‐phase decarbonylation of α‐methyl‐trans‐cinamaldehyde and E‐2‐methyl‐2‐pentenal under homogeneous catalysis of hydrogen chloride

The kinetics of the gas‐phase elimination of α‐methyl‐trans‐cinamaldehyde catalyzed by HCl in the temperature range of 399.0–438.7 °C, and the pressure range of 38–165 Torr is a homogeneous, molecular, pseudo first‐order process and undergoing a parallel reaction to produce via (A) α‐methylstyrene and CO gas and via (B) β‐methylstyrene and CO gas. The decomposition of substrate E‐2‐methyl‐2‐pentenal was performed in the temperature range of 370.0–410.0 °C and the pressure range of 44–150 Torr also undergoing a molecular, pseudo first‐order reaction gives E‐2‐pentene and CO gas. These reactions were carried out in a static system seasoned reactions vessels and in the presence of toluene free radical inhibitor. The rate coefficients are given by the following Arrhenius expressions:

• Products formation from α‐methyl‐trans‐cinamaldehyde
• α‐methylstyrene :
• β‐methylstyrene :
• Products formation from E‐2‐methyl‐2‐pentenal
• E‐2‐pentene :

The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the thermal decomposition of α‐methyl‐trans‐cinamaldehyde suggest that via (A) proceeds through a bicyclic transition state type of mechanism to yield α‐methylstyrene and carbon monoxide, whereas via (B) through a five‐membered cyclic transition state to give β‐methylstyrene and carbon monoxide. However, the elimination of E‐2‐methyl‐2‐pentenal occurs by way of a concerted cyclic five‐membered transition state mechanism producing E‐2‐pentene and carbon monoxide. The present results support that uncatalyzed α‐β‐unsaturated aldehydes decarbonylate through a three‐membered cyclic transition state type of mechanism. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Gas‐phase elimination kinetics of selected aliphatic α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes catalyzed by hydrogen chloride

The gas‐phase elimination of 2‐methyl‐2‐propenal catalyzed by HCl yields propene and CO gas, while E‐2‐pentenal with the same catalyst gives butene and CO gas. The kinetics determinations were carried out in a static system with the reaction vessels deactivated with allyl bromide and the presence of the free radical inhibitor toluene. Temperature and pressure ranges were 350.0–410.0 °C and 34–76 Torr. The elimination reactions are homogeneous and unimolecular, and follow a first‐order rate law. The rate coefficients for the reactions are expressible by the following Arrhenius equations: Data from the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of these catalyzed elimination reactions implies a mechanism of a concerted five‐membered cyclic transition state structure for the formation of the corresponding olefin and carbon monoxide. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of gas‐phase elimination of 2,2‐diethoxyethyl amine and 2,2‐diethoxy‐N,N‐diethylethanamine

The gas‐phase elimination kinetics of 2,2‐diethoxyethyl amine and 2,2‐diethoxy‐N,N‐diethylethanamine (320–380 °C; 40–150 Torr) in a seasoned reaction vessel are homogeneous, unimolecular and obey a first‐order rate law. These elimination processes involve two parallel reactions. The first gives ethanol and the corresponding 2‐ethoxyethenamine. The latter compound further decomposes to ethylene, CO and the corresponding amine. The second parallel reaction produce ethane and the corresponding ethyl ester of an α‐amino acid. The following Arrhenius expressions are given as: For 2,2‐diethoxyethyl amine For 2,2‐diethoxy‐N,N‐diethylethanamine Comparative kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the overall, the parallel and the consecutive reactions lead to consider two types of mechanisms in terms of a concerted polar cyclic transition state structures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechanistic study of the unimolecular decomposition of 1,2‐dioxetanedione

The unimolecular decomposition of 1,2‐dioxetanedione, the high‐energy intermediate of the chemiluminescence peroxyoxalate reaction, was studied by theoretical means for the first time. Our calculations have provided results in line with the experimental data regarding this compound. 1,2‐Dioxetanedione decomposes due to a step‐wise biradical mechanism. In the biradical region of the decomposition path, there is a path for singlet chemiexcitation. Interactions between the singlet ground and excited states with triplet states can explain the weak unimolecular chemiluminescence of 1,2‐dioxetanedione. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

pH‐sensing nanostar probe using surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS): theoretical and experimental studies

Local pH environment has been considered to be a potential biomarker for tumor diagnosis because solid tumors contain highly acidic environments. A pH‐sensing nanoprobe based on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using nanostars under near‐infrared excitation has been developed for potential biomedical applications. To theoretically investigate the effect of protonation state on SERS spectra of p‐mercaptobenzoic acid (pMBA), we used the density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional to calculate Raman vibrational spectra of pMBA‐Au/Ag complex in both protonated and deprotonated states. Vibrational spectral bands were assigned with DFT calculation and used to investigate SERS spectral changes observed from experiment when varying pH value between five and nine. The SERS peak position of pMBA at ~1580 cm⁻¹ was identified to be a novel pH‐sensing index, which has small but noticeable downshift with pH increase. This phenomenon is confirmed and well‐explained with theoretical simulation. The study demonstrates that SERS is a sensitive tool to monitor minor structural changes due to local pH environment, and DFT calculations can be used to investigate Raman spectra changes associated with minor differences in molecular structure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.