Theoretical investigation of the atmospheric chemistry of methyl difluoroacetate: reaction with Cl atoms and fate of alkoxy radical at 298 K

A theoretical study on the mechanism of the reactions of methyl difluoroacetate (MDFA) CF₂HC(O)OCH₃ with Cl atoms is presented. Two conformers relatively close in energy have been identified for MDFA. Geometry optimization and frequency calculations have been performed at the MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory, and energetic information is further refined by calculating the energy of the species using G2(MP2) theory. Transition states (TSs) are searched on the potential energy surface involved during the reaction channels, and each of the TSs is characterized by the presence of only one imaginary frequency. The existence of TSs on the corresponding potential energy surface is ascertained by performing intrinsic reaction coordinate calculation. Our calculations reveal that hydrogen abstraction from the –CH₃ group is thermodynamically and kinetically more facile than that from the –CF₂H group. Theoretically calculated rate constants at 298 K using the canonical transition state theory are found to be in good agreement with the experimentally measured ones. The atmospheric lifetime of CF₂HC(O)OCH₃ was estimated to be 16 years. The atmospheric fate and the main degradation process of alkoxy radical CF₂HC(O)OCH₂O are also discussed for the first time. Our calculation indicates that the fluorine atoms substitution has deactivating effect for the α-ester rearrangement.     

Theoretical investigation on the kinetics and thermochemisty of H-atom abstraction reactions of 2-chloroethyl methyl ether (CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>OCH<Subscript>2</Subscript>CH<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl) with OH radical at 298 K

Kinetics and thermochemistry of the H-atom abstraction reaction of CH₃OCH₂CH₂Cl with OH radical have been carried out using dual level of methods. Initially, geometry optimization and frequency calculations are performed at M06-2X/6-31+G(d, p) level of theory, and energetic calculations are further refined using CCSD(T)/6-311++G(d, p) level of theory in order to characterized all stationary points on potential energy surface (PES). The result shows that H-atom abstraction from –OCH₂ site of CH₃OCH₂CH₂Cl is dominant path. The rate constants are calculated using canonical transition state theory at 298 K, which are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. We have presented the standard enthalpies of formation for CH₃OCH₂CH₂Cl and the radicals generated during the H-atom abstraction using group-balanced isodesmic reactions scheme. The atmospheric lifetime of title molecule is also calculated.     

Absolute rate constants of the reactions of OH with cyclohexane and ethane at 296 ± 2 K by the discharge flow method

We present absolute measurements of the rate constant for the reactions of OH with cyclohexane: k₁=(8.6±0.8) × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹s⁻¹ and with ethane: k₃= (2.74±0.3) × 10⁻¹³ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, both measured at room temperature by discharge flow resonance fluorescence. Our result for k₁ is above the average of two previously published measurements, but is in agreement with the preferred values of two recent reviews, as deduced from either relative measurements or theoretical correlations.     

Solvent effects on the complexation of 1-alkanols by parent and modified cyclodextrins. Calorimetric studies at 298 K

The formation of complexes of parent and alkylated cyclodextrins (CDs) with 1-heptanol and 1-octanol has been studied calorimetrically at 298 K in water and in concentrated aqueous solutions of urea. The forces involved in the association process are discussed in the light of the signs and values of the thermodynamic parameters obtained: association enthalpy, binding constant, Gibbs free energy, and entropy. It was inferred that: (i) in water, the formation of complexes for parent and substituted α-cyclodextrins (αCDs) is determined by enthalpy. For parent and substituted β-cyclodextrins (βCDs), instead, hydrophobic interactions are the prevailing forces determining complexation, as indicated by the small and negative or positive enthalpies and by the high and positive entropies. (ii) In urea, hydrophilic interactions are attenuated. The formation of complexes with alkylated CDs does not occur. (iii) The analysis of the thermodynamic properties confirms that inclusion is a process dominated by hydration phenomena. Modifications experienced by the solvent water in the hydration shells of the interacting substances upon association determine the formation of the complexes.     

Determination of the Distribution of Cobalt-Chloro Complexes in Hydrochloric Acid Solutions at 298 K

Knowledge of the distribution of metal-chloro complexes in hydrochloric acid solutions is fundamental for understanding the anion-exchange reaction. Anion-exchange separation allows ultrahigh purification during hydrometallurgical processes. However, at present the exchange reactions are not understood in detail. A more sophisticated purification needs improvement of the anion-exchange separation process. The process is based upon anion-exchange reactions and the distribution of metal-chloro complexes. The present work deals with cobalt-chloro complexes which exhibit a beautiful deep blue color in a concentrated hydrochloric acid solution. The intensity of the absorption attributed to the deep blue color is so strong that it is hard to obtain meaningful results by factor analysis. Another absorption band was chosen to be used in factor analysis and the attempt was successful. The number of cobalt-chloro complexes in hydrochloric acid solutions was determined to be three, and the cumulative formation constants were fitted to absorption spectra decomposed by factor analysis. During the optimization of the cumulative formation constants, a modified Debye–Hückel model for estimation of the activity coefficients of \(\hbox {Cl}^{-}\) was used. It was found that there are three cobalt complexes \([\hbox {Co}^{\mathrm{II}}(\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O})_{6}]^{2+}\), \([\hbox {Co}^{\mathrm{II}}\hbox {Cl}(\hbox {H}_{2}\hbox {O})_{5}]^{+}\), and \([\hbox {Co}^{\mathrm{II}}\hbox {Cl}_{4}]^{2-}\), and the two cumulative formation constants were optimized such that \(\log _{10}\beta _{1} = -\,0.861\) and \(\log _{10}\beta _{4} = -\,7.40\). The geometries of the complexes are proposed by assignment of absorption bands using ligand field theory. A qualitative assessment of the relationship between the acquired distribution of cobalt-chloro complexes and the adsorption function of cobalt species from hydrochloric acid solutions to anion-exchange resin was made.     

Determination of the Distribution of Cupric Chloro-Complexes in Hydrochloric Acid Solutions at 298 K

The distribution of metal-chloro complexes in hydrochloric acid solutions is a fundamental aspect of anion exchange reactions that allows ultrahigh purification during hydrometallurgical processes. However, these exchange reactions are not yet understood in detail. To clarify and improve anion exchange separation so as to obtain a more sophisticated purification process, it is necessary to accurately determine the distribution of metal-chloro complexes. In the present work, cupric-chloro complexes were investigated because copper is one of the most important base metals in modern society. The absorption spectra of solutions of these complexes were acquired at 298 K and analyzed by multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares method (MCR–ALS), a factor analysis technique widely used in chemometrics. The resulting cupric-chloro complex distributions were fitted with a thermodynamic model using appropriate activity coefficients extended to the concentrated solutions. These calculations employed a modified Debye–Hückel model because the distributions acquired through the model-free MCR–ALS analysis were less meaningful, both physically and chemically. It was concluded that five [Cu^IICl _n ]^2?n species, where n = 0–4, are present in the hydrochloric acid solutions. In addition, cumulative formation constants and pure molar attenuation coefficients were obtained.     

A theoretical analysis and its application of the second order EC'''' reactions at microelectrodes under steady-state conditions

With a new approach,the general current expressions of two typical second ordercatalytic reactions are obtained for disk,hemispherical and spherical microelectrodes understeady-state conditions.This approach is based on the concept of reaction layer.For thesecond order EC' reactions,we also discussed how it is possible to observe pseudo-first orderor second order behavior.This consideration allows the study of the fast chemical reactionsand systems where the bulk concentrations of the reactants are nearly equal.Regenerationof Fe~(3+)(EDTA) with H_2O_2 was selected as an example of a rapid catalytic reaction.     

Theoretical study of mechanism and kinetics for the reaction of hydroxyl radical with 2′-deoxycytidine

The reaction mechanism and kinetics for the abstraction of hydrogen and addition of hydroxyl radical (OH) to 2′-deoxycytidine have been studied using density functional theory at MX06-2X/6-311+G(d,p) level in aqueous solution. The optimized geometries, energies, and thermodynamic properties of all stationary points along the hydrogen abstraction reaction and the addition reaction pathways are calculated. The single-point energy calculations of the main pathways at CCSD(T)/6-31+G(d,p)//MX06-2X/6-311+G(d,p) level are performed. The rate constants and the branching ratios of different channels are evaluated using the canonical variational transition (CVT) state theory with small-curvature tunneling (SCT) correction in aqueous solution to simulate the biological system. The branching ratios of hydrogen abstraction from the C1′ site and the C5′ site and OH radical addition to the C5 site and the C6 site are 57.27% and 12.26% and 23.85% and 5.69%, respectively. The overall calculated rate constant is 4.47?×?10⁹ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1 at 298 K which is in good agreement with experiments. The study could help better understand reactive oxygen species causing DNA oxidative damage.     

The study on the effect of the substitution of K2CO3 with Ca(OH)2 on kinetics on CO2–lignite coal gasification

Research on Chemical Intermediates - Three kinds of lignite were mixed with K2CO3 and Ca(OH)2 and were gasified with CO2 to investigate the effect that the addition of Ca(OH)2 had on the...     

Thermodynamics investigation of the gas-phase reactions in the chemical vapor deposition of silicon borides with BCl3–SiCl4–H2 precursors

The gas-phase reaction thermodynamics in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process of preparing silicon borides with the precursors of BCl₃–SiCl₄–H₂ is investigated with a relatively complete set of 220 species, in which the thermochemistry data are calculated with accurate model chemistry at G3(MP2) and G3//B3LYP levels combined with standard statistical thermodynamics. The data include the heat capacities, entropies, enthalpies of formation, and Gibbs free energies of formation. Based on these data, the distribution of the equilibrium concentration of the 220 species is obtained with the principle of chemical equilibrium. BHCl₂, SiHCl₃, and BH₂Cl are found to be the crucial intermediates. This work provides fundamental data for analyzing the thermochemistry of the CVD process of the BCl₃–SiCl₄–H₂ system, which is instructive to optimize the input precursors and temperatures for controlling the composition of the condensed phase B, SiB₆, and SiB₁₄.     

A theoretical study of kinetics and mechanism of the oxa 6π electrocyclization of naphthoquinones as antimalarial drugs

Because of the importance of antimalarial drugs, a theoretical study of kinetics and mechanism of the oxa 6?? electrocyclization of naphthoquinones as antimalarial drugs, was performed using DFT method at B3LYP and HF levels of theory and using 6?C31G and 6?C31G* basis sets. Equilibrium molecular geometries and harmonic vibrational frequencies of the reactant, transition state (TS), and product were calculated. The considered rate constants and activation thermodynamic parameters were calculated. The results showed a fairly agreement with experimental data. Our calculations showed that the reaction proceeds through an asynchronous concerted mechanism.     

Rate constants for the gas-phase reactions of OH and O3 with β-ocimene, β-myrcene, and α- and β-farnesene as a function of temperature

The rate constants for the gas-phase reactions of hydroxyl radicals and ozone with the biogenic hydrocarbons β-ocimene, β-myrcene, and α- and β-farnesene were measured using the relative rate technique over the temperature ranges 313-423 (for OH) and 298-318 K (for O?) at about 1 atm total pressure. The OH radicals were generated by photolysis of H?O?, and O? was produced from the electrolysis of O?. Helium was used as the diluent gas. The reactants were detected by online mass spectrometry, which resulted in high time resolution, allowing large amounts of data to be collected and used in the determination of the Arrhenius parameters. The following Arrhenius expressions have been determined for these reactions (in units of cm3 molecules?1 s?1): for β-ocimene + OH, k = (4.35(-0.66)(+0.78)) × 10?11 exp[(579 ± 59)/T]; for β-ocimene + O?, k = (3.15(-0.95)(+1.36)) × 10?1? exp[-(626 ± 110)/T]; for β-myrcene + O?, k = (2.21(-0.66)(+0.94)) × 10?1? exp[-(520 ± 109)/T]; for α-farnesene + OH, k(OH) = (2.19 ± 0.11) × 10?1? for 23-413 K; for α-farnesene + O?, k = (3.52(-2.54)(+9.09)) × 10?12 exp[-(2589 ± 393)/T]; for β-farnesene + OH, k(OH) = (2.88 ± 0.15) × 10?1? for 323-423 K; for β-farnesene + O?, k = (1.81(-1.19)(+3.46)) × 10?12 exp[-(2347 ± 329)/T]. The Arrhenius parameters here are the first to be reported. The reactions of α- and β-farnesene with OH showed no significant temperature dependence. Atmospheric residence times due to reactions with OH and O? were also presented.     

Non-adiabatic effects on oxygen atom fine structure populations in the predissociation of the A2Σ+ state of OH

Multichannel scattering calculations are used to evaluate the role of non-adiabatic interactions and interference effect on the predissociation linewidths of several vibrational levels of the A²Σ⁺ state of OH due to coupling to three different repulsive electronic states. Oxygen atom fine structure branching ratios are calculated as a possible probe of the predissociation pathway. Non-adiabatic effects are found to be very strong for the lower vibrational predissociative A²Σ⁺ levels and to remain non-negligible even for the higher vibrational states of A ²Σ⁺.     

Commentary on ‘investigation on molecular interaction studies of binary mixture of Dehpa and Petrofin at 298.15 K’

The Redlich–Kister equations reported in the published paper do not describe the observed excess molar volumes, excess molar refractions and excess molar refractions. Significant differences are noted between the observed excess quantities (based on mole fraction additivity) and calculated values based on the published Redlich–Kister polynomial equations.     

Spectroscopic and theoretical investigation of the solvent effects on Al(III)–hydroxyflavone complexes

In methanol/water medium at pH 6, the chelation of Al(III) by three mono-site ligands: 3-hydroxyflavone, 5-hydroxyflavone and 3′4′-dihydroxyflavone has been studied by electronic absorption spectroscopy. A comparison of the results obtained for the three chelating sites shows that the α-hydroxy-carbonyl group presents the greatest affinity for Al(III). When the three sites are in competition within a single compound: the quercetin (Q) molecule, this site remains the preferential site for fixing the metal cation. Indeed, the combined use of electronic spectroscopy and TD-DFT calculations has allowed highlighting the formation of the species [Al(H₂O)(OH)Q₂]⁰ involving chelation with the α-hydroxy-carbonyl site. Comparisons with an Al(III) complexation experiment carried out in methanol solution show that whatever the ligand, the presence of water molecules in the medium decreases the amount of complex formed.     

Corrigendum on ‘investigation on molecular interaction studies of binary mixture of Dehpa and Petrofin at 298.15 K’

Expressions of Redlich–Kister (RK) excess function using polynomials on difference of molar composition are used. Calculated values of excess properties from experimental values are well presented in some curves as a function of mole fraction (x₂) of the second pure component of the studied binary liquid mixture. Nevertheless, the authors presented values of adjustable parameters, not for the polynomial of the popular RK equation (i.e. vs. x₂–x₁), but for globally the excess property Y^E as an overall three degree polynomial on (x₂) including implicitly the molar fraction product (x₁·x₂) in their nonlinear regression, which can then induces some readers to probable confusion.     

Kinetic studies of reactions of the nitrate radical (NO3) with peroxy radicals (RO2): an indirect source of OH at night?

A discharge-flow system, coupled to cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy (CEAS) detection systems for NO3 at lambda=662 nm and NO2 at lambda=404 nm, was used to investigate the kinetics of the reactions of NO3 with eight peroxy radicals at P approximately 5 Torr and T approximately 295 K. Values of the rate constants obtained were (k/10(-12) cm3 molecule-1 s-1): CH3O2 (1.1+/-0.5), C2H5O2 (2.3+/-0.7), CH2FO2 (1.4+/-0.9), CH2ClO2 (3.8(+1.4)(-2.6)), c-C5H9O2 (1.2(+1.1)(-0.5)), c-C6H11O2 (1.9+/-0.7), CF3O2 (0.62+/-0.17) and CF3CFO2CF3 (0.24+/-0.13). We explore possible relationships between k and the orbital energies of the reactants. We also provide a brief discussion of the potential impact of the reactions of NO3 with RO2 on the chemistry of the night-time atmosphere.