The high temperature pyrolysis of 1,3-butadiene II: Pulsed laser flash absorption rate constants,and consideration of possible molecular dissociation pathways

Rate constants for the unimolecular dissociation of 1,3-butadiene have been measured with the pulsed laser flash absorption technique, following butadiene disappearance at 222 nm. The results are in excellent agreement with previous laser-schlieren measurements interpreted with a ΔH°₂₉₈ = 100 kcal/mol heat of dissociation. A new RRKM calculation agreeing with both sets of rate constants gives log k_∞(s^?1) = 17.03 ± 0.3 – 94(kcal/mol)/RT. These data and product measurements using ARAS, single-pulse product analysis, and time-of-flight mass spectrometry, in shock tubes, all provide independent evidence against any major participation by molecular reactions in the dissociation. The only dissociation channel, or combination of channels, consistent with all the measurements is C-C scission to two vinyl radicals. However, the extremely slow rate of H-atom formation seen in ARAS experiments then requires an unacceptably low rate of vinyl dissociation.     

Very low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP) of hex-1-ene. Kinetics of the retro-ene decomposition of a mono-olefin

The thermal unimolecular decomposition of hex-1-ene has been investigated over the temperature range of 915–1153 K using the technique of very low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP). The reaction proceeds via the competitive pathways of C₃?C₄ fission and retro-ene elimination, with the latter dominant at low temperatures and the former at high temperatures. This behavior results in an isokinetic temperature of 1035 K under VLPP conditions (both reactions in the unimolecular falloff regime). RRKM calculations, generalized to take into account two competing pathways, show that the experimental unimolecular rate constants are consistent with the high-pressure Arrhenius parameters given by log k₁ (sec^?1) = (12.6 ± 0.2) -(57.7 ± 1.5)/θ for retro-ene reaction, and log k₂ (sec^?1) = (15.9 ± 0.2) - (70.8 ± 1.0)/θ for C-C fission, where θ = 2.303 RT kcal/mol. The A factors were assigned from the results of a recent shock-tube study of the decomposition in the high-pressure regime, and the activation energies were found by matching the RRKM calculations to the VLPP data. The parameters for C-C fission are consistent with the known thermochemistry of n-propyl and allyl radicals. A clear measure of the importance of the molecular pathway in the decomposition of a mono-olefin has been obtained.     

Homogeneous decomposition of vinyl ethers. The heat of formation of ethanal-2-yl

The thermal unimolecular decomposition of three vinylethers has been studied in a VLPP apparatus. The high-pressure rate constant for the retro-ene reaction of ethylvinylether was fit by log k (sec^?1) = (11.47 + 0.25) - (43.4 ± 1.0)/2.303 RT at <T> = 900 K and that of t - butylvinylether by log k (sec^?1) = (12.00 ± 0.27) - (38.4 ± 1.0)/2.303 RT at <T> = 800 K. No evidence for the competition of the higher energy homolytic bond-fission process could be obtained from the experimental data. The rate constant compatible with the C? O bond scission reaction in the case of benzylvinylether was log k (sec^?1) = (16.63 ± 0.30) - (53.74 ± 1.0)/2.303 RT at <T> = 750 K. Together with ΔH_f,300⁰(benzyl·) = 47.0 kcal/mol, the activation energy for this reaction results in ΔH_f,300⁰(CH₂CHO) = +3.0 ± 2.0 kcal/mol and a corresponding resonance stabilization energy of 3.2 ± 2.0 kcal/mol for 2-ethanalyl radical.     

Very low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP) of 3,3-dimethylbut-1-yne (tert-butyl acetylene). The heat of formation and stabilization energy of the dimethylpropargyl radical

The unimolecular decomposition of 3,3-dimethylbut-1-yne has been investigated over the temperature range of 933°-1182°K using the technique of very low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP). The primary process is C? C bond fission yielding the resonance stabilized dimethylpropargyl radical. Application of RRKM theory shows that the experimental unimolecular rate constants are consistent with the high-pressure Arrhenius parameters given by log (k/sec^?1) = (15.8 ± 0.3) - (70.8 ± 1.5)/θ where θ = 2.303RT kcal/mol. The activation energy leads to DH⁰[(CH₃)₂C(CCH)? CH₃] = 70.7 ± 1.5, θH⁰_f((CH₃)₂?CCH,g) = 61.5 ± 2.0, and DH⁰[(CH₃)₂C(CCH)? H] = 81.0 ± 2.3, all in kcal/mol at 298°K. The stabilization energy of the dimethylpropargyl radical has been found to be 11.0±2.5 kcal/mol.     

Pulsed laser powered homogenous pyrolysis for reaction kinetics studies: Probe laser measurement of reaction time and temperature

Pulsed laser powered homogeneous pyrolysis (LPHP) is a technique which can be used to measure rate parameters for purely homogeneous unimolecular decomposition reactions at high temperatures (600–1500 K). The reaction temperature in pulsed LPHP may be obtained from the speed of sound in the reacting gas, which may be measured by observing the thermal lens effect of the gas on a probe laser beam. The reaction time may be obtained directly from the thermal lens measurements. In this work experiments were performed using ethyl acetate (EtAc) and isopropyl chloride (2-ClPr), two reactants whose unimolecular decomposition rate parameters are well established. This allowed us to assess the accuracy and precision attainable with this technique. Pulsed LPHP proved capable of providing rate parameters in good agreement with those in the literature. The results for which the measured activation energies were closest to the literature values gave the temperature dependence of the rate constants as log(k_EtAc) = (12.0 ± 0.9) − 47.7 ± 4.4(kcal/mol)/2.303RT and log(k_2-ClPr) = (13.3 ± 1.0) − 50.8 ± 4.8(kcal/mol)/2.303RT. These may be compared with the literature recommendations, log(k_EtAc) = 12.6 − 48.0(kcal/mol)/2.303RT and log(k_2-ClPr) = 13.6 − 51.1(kcal/mol)/2.303RT. In all cases the measured rate parameters agreed with the recommended values to within the error limits of the measured values. Potential sources of error in the temperature measurement and the kinetic parameters are explored. The expected accuracy of the experiments is assessed, and possible improvements in the experiment are suggested. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Very low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP) of pentynes. II. 4-methylpent-2-yne and 4,4-dimethylpent-2-yne. Heats of formation and resonance stabilization energies of methyl-substituted propargyl radicals

Studies of the unimolecular decomposition of 4-methylpent-2-yne (M2P) and 4,4-dimethylpent-2-yne (DM2P) have been carried out over the temperature range of 903–1246 K using the technique of very-low pressure pyrolysis (VLPP). The primary reaction for both compounds is fission of the C? C bond adjacent to the acetylenic group producing the resonance-stabilized methyl-substituted propargyl radicals, CH₃C??H(CH₃) from M2P and CH₃C?C?(CH₃)₂ from DM2P. RRKM calculations were performed in conjunction with both vibrational and hindered rotational models for the transition state. Employing the usual assumption of unit efficiency for gas-wall collisions, the results show that only the rotational model with a temperature-dependent hindrance parameter gives a proper fit to the VLPP data over the entire experimental temperature range. The high-pressure Arrhenius parameters at 1100 K are given by the rate expressions log k₂ (sec^?1) = (16.2 ± 0.3) ? (74.4 ± 1.5)/θ for M2P and log k₃ (sec^?1) = (16.4 ± 0.3) ? (71.4 ± 1.5)/θ for DM2P where θ = 2.303RT kcal/mol. The A factors were assigned from the results of recent shock-tube studies of related alkynes. Inclusion of a decrease in gas-wall collision efficiency with temperature would lower both activation energies by ～1 kcal/mol. The critical energies together with the assumption of zero activation energy for recombination of the product radicals at 0 K lead to DH⁰[CH₃CCCH(CH₃)? CH₃] = 76.7 ± 1.5, ΔH_f⁰[CH₃CCCH(CH₃)] = 65.2 ± 2.3, DH⁰[CH₃CCCH(CH₃)? H] = 87.3 ± 2.7, DH⁰[CH₃CCC(CH₃)₂? CH₃] = 72.5 ± 1.5, ΔH[CH₃CC?(CH₃)₂] = 53.0 ± 2.3, and DH⁰[CH₃CCC(CH₃)₂? H] = 82.3 ± 2.7, where all quantities are in kcal/mol at 300 K. The resonance stabilization energies of the 1,3-dimethylpropargyl and 1,1,3-trimethylpropargyl radicals are 7.7 ± 2.9 and 9.7 ± 2.9 kcal/mol at 300 K. Comparison with results obtained previously for other propargylic radicals indicates that methyl substituents on both the radical center and the terminal carbon atom have little effect on the propargyl resonance energy.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the thermal decomposition of cyclopentyl cyanide

The thermal decomposition of cyclopentyl cyanide has been investigated in the temperature range of 905–1143 K using both conventional stirred-flow reactor and very low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP) techniques. The results from both techniques are consistent. The main primary processes are HCN elimination to form cyclopentene: and ring fragmentation to form vinyl cyanide plus propylene and ethylene plus cyanopropenes: Under the experimental conditions cyclopentene undergoes further decomposition to cyclopentadiene plus hydrogen. There is evidence for conversion of some of the reactant to a solid residue, presumably polymer. From the stirred-flow reactor results the following Arrhenius expressions were obtained: log k₁(s^?1) = (12.8 ± 0.3) ? (65.6 ± 1.3)/θ and log k₂(s^?1) = (16.0 ± 0.3) ? (80.0 ± 1.1)/θ, where θ = 2.303RT kcal/mol. Application of RRKM theory shows that the VLPP experimental rate constants are consistent with high-pressure Arrhenius parameters given by log k₁(s^?1) = (12.8 ± 0.3) ? (67.8 ± 2.5)/θ for HCN elimination, and log k₄(s^?1) = (16.3 ± 0.3) ? (80.1 ± 2.0)/θ for the sum of the ring fragmentation pathways. The rate parameters for HCN elimination are in good agreement with previous VLPP studies of alkyl cyanides and with theoretical predictions. The difference in activation energies for the ring opening of cyclopentane and cyclopentyl cyanide is reasonably close to the established value for the cyano stabilization energy. This supports the assumption of a biradical mechanism.     

Study of thermal decomposition of poly-(vinyl chloride)-type polymers with the use of model substances-V: Pyrolysis of cis-5-chloro-3-heptene and cis- and trans-5-acetoxy-3-heptene in the phase

The gas phase pyrolyses of cis-5-chloro-3-heptene (in the range 267–337°) and cis- and trans-5-acetoxy-3-heptene (300–378°) are homogeneous unimolecular first-order reactions with rate constants given respectively by: log k = (12·03 = 0·13) - (36·2 ± 0·4)/2·303 RT and (12·80 ± 0·11) - (43·0 ± 0·3)/2·303 RT. (Frequency factors in sec^?1 units, activation energies in kcal mol^?1.) No significant differences were found between the rates of decomposition of cis and trans isomers of 5-acetoxy-3-heptene. From the decomposition of these models of poly(vinyl chloride) and poly(vinyl acetate), some conclusions about the role of internal unsaturated groups in the thermal decomposition of both polymers were drawn. The possibility that groups with cis internal double bonds are the most labile structures in a poly(vinyl) chloride macromolecule is discussed.     

Thermal isomerization and decomposition of 1,2-butadiene in shock waves

1,2-Butadiene diluted with Ar was heated behind reflected shock waves over the temperature and the total density range of 1100–1600 K and 1.36 × 10^?5 ? 1.75 × 10^?5 mol/cm³. The major products were 1,3-butadiene, 1-butyne, 2-butyne, vinylacetylene, diacetylene, allene, propyne, C₂H₆, C₂H₄, CH₄, and benzene, which were analyzed by gas chromatography. The UV kinetic absorption spectroscopy at 230 nm showed that 1,2-butadiene rapidly isomerizes to 1,3-butadiene from the initial stage of the reaction above 1200 K. In order to interpret the formation of 1,3-butadiene, 1-butyne, and 2-butyne, it was necessary to include the parallel isomerizations of 1,2-butadiene to these isomers. The present data were successfuly modeled with a 82 reaction mechanism. From the modeling, rate constant expressions were derived for the isomerization 1,2-butadiene = 1,3-butadiene to be k₃ = 2.5 × 10¹³ exp(?63 kcal/RT) s^?1 and for the decomposition 1,2-butadiene = C₃H₃ + CH₃ to be k₆ = 2.0 × 10¹⁵ exp(?75 kcal/RT) s^?1, where the activation energies, 63 kcal/mol and 75 kcal/mol, were assumed. These rate constants are only applicable under the present experimental conditions, 1100–1600 K and 1.23–2.30 atm. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The dissociation of 3-chloro-1-butene and the resonance energy of the chloro-allyl radical

Methane is a primary product of pyrolysis of 3-chloro-l-butene at temperatures in the range 776–835°K, and from its rate of formation values have been obtained for the limiting high-pressure rate constant of the reaction These may be represented by the expression log [(k₁)_∞/sec^?1] = (16.7 ± 0.3) ? (71.5 ± 1.5)/θ, where θ = 2.303RT kcal/mole. Assuming a zero activation energy for the reverse reaction and that over the experimental temperature range the rates at which a methyl radical adds on to chlorobutene are comparable to those at which it abstracts hydrogen, the activation energy for the dissociation reaction leads to a value of 83.2 ± 1.9 ckal/mole for D(H? CHClCH:CH₂) at 298°K. Taking D(H? CHClCH₂CH ₃) = 95.2 ± 1.0 kcal/mole a value of 12.0 ± 2.1 kcal/mole is obtained for the resonance energy of the chloroallyl radical. This value in conjunction with resonance energies obtained in earlier work indicates that substitution of a hydrogen atom on the carbon atom adjacent to the double bond in the allyl radical leads to no significant variation in the allylic resonance energy.     

The kinetics and equilibrium of the gas-phase reaction CH3CF2Br + I2 = CH3CF2I + IBr the C-Br bond dissociation energy in 1,1-difluorobromoethane

The kinetics and equilibrium of the gas-phase reaction of CH₃CF₂Br with I₂ were studied spectrophotometrically from 581 to 662°K and determined to be consistent with the following mechanism: A least squares analysis of the kinetic data taken in the initial stages of reaction resulted in log k₁ (M^?1 · sec^?1) = (11.0 ± 0.3) - (27.7 ± 0.8)/θ where θ = 2.303 RT kcal/mol. The error represents one standard deviation. The equilibrium data were subjected to a “third-law” analysis using entropies and heat capacities estimated from group additivity to derive ΔH_r° (623°K) = 10.3 ± 0.2 kcal/mol and ΔH_rr (298°K) = 10.2 ± 0.2 kcal/mol. The enthalpy change at 298°K was combined with relevant bond dissociation energies to yield DH°(CH₃CF₂ - Br) = 68.6 ± 1 kcal/mol which is in excellent agreement with the kinetic data assuming that E₂ = 0 ± 1 kcal/mol, namely; DH°(CH₃CF₂ - Br) = 68.6 ± 1.3 kcal/mol. These data also lead to ΔH_f°(CH₃CF₂Br, g, 298°K) = -119.7 ± 1.5 kcal/mol.     

Kinetic study of the gas-phase reaction c-C5H10 + I2 ⇄ c-C5H8 + 2HI the heat of formation of cyclopentyl radical

The kinetics of the gas-phase dehydrogenation of cyclopentane to cyclopentene is found to be consistent with a slow attack by an I atom (step 4, text) on cyclopentane in the range 282–382°C. The measured rate constants fit the Arrhenius equation, log k₄ = 11.95 ± 0.08 – (24.9 ± 0.23)/θ 1 mole^?1 sec^?1, where θ = 2.303 R T in kcal/mole. This leads to a value of ΔH = 24.3 ± 1 kcal/mole and a bond dissociation energy DH = 94.9 ± 1 kcal/mole. The latter value is identical with DH⁰(i-Pr-H) = 95 ± 1 kcal/mole and signifies that cyclopentane and the cyclopentyl radical have the same strain energy. Arrhenius parameters are deduced for all six steps in the reaction mechanism. Surface reactions are shown to be unimportant. Cyclopentyl iodide is an unstable intermediate in the reaction and the rate constant for its bimolecular formation from HI + cyclopentene is found to be log k₆ = 8.40 ± 0.29 - (26.9 ± 0.8)/θ 1 mole^?1 sec^?1. Together with the equilibrium constant, this yields for the unimolecular elimination of HI from cyclopentyl iodide, the rate constant, log k₅ = 13.3 ± 0.3 – (42.8 ± 1.2)/θ sec^?1.     

Study of thermal decomposition of poly(vinyl chloride) type polymers with the use of model substances—IV: Gas phase pyrolysis of 2-acetoxy-4-chloropentane

The kinetics of the gas phase pyrolysis were investigated for 2-acetoxy-4-chloropentane, the simplest model for the macromolecule of VC-VAc copolymer; both manometric and GLC method were used. It was concluded that the elimination of the first acid molecule from the model is a homogeneous unimolecular first order reaction with rate constants within the range 310–350° given by: log k₁ = (13·14 ± 0·17)—(44·9 ± 0·5)/2·303 RT for the iso and log k₁ = (13·23 + 0·15)—(44·9 ± 0·4)/2·303 RT for the syndio isomer. (Frequency factors in sec^?1 units, activation energies in kcal mol^?1.)Application of the results to the copolymer leads to the conclusion that the pronounced minimum observed by some authors in the plot of thermal stability against copolymer composition cannot be adequately explained solely in terms of the low thermal stability of an alternating unit.     

Kinetics of the I2-catalyzed isomerization of allyl chloride to cis- and trans-1-chloro-1-propene. The stabilization energy of the chloroallyl radical

The I₂-catalyzed isomerization of allyl chloride to cis- and trans- l-chloro-l-propene was measured in a static system in the temperature range 225–329°C. Propylene was found as a side product, mainly at the lower temperatures. The rate constant for an abstraction of a hydrogen atom from allyl chloride by an iodine atom was found to obey the equation log [k,/M^?1 sec^?1] = (10.5 ± 0.2) ?; (18.3 ± 10.4)/θ, where θ is 2.303RT in kcal/mole. Using this activation energy together with 1 ± 1 kcal/mole for the activation energy for the reaction of HI with alkyl radicals gives DH⁰ (CH₂CHCHCl? H) = 88.6 ± 1.1 kcal/mole, and 7.4 ± 1.5 kcal/mole as the stabilization energy (SE) of the chloroallyl radical. Using the results of Abell and Adolf on allyl fluoride and allyl bromide, we conclude DH⁰ (CH₂CHCHF? H) = 88.6 ± 1.1 and DH⁰ (CH₂CHCHBr? H) = 89.4 ± 1.1 kcal/ mole; the SE of the corresponding radicals are 7.4 ± 2.2 and 7.8 ± 1.5 kcal/mole. The bond dissociation energies of the C? H bonds in the allyl halides are similar to that of propene, while the SE values are about 2 kcal/mole less than in the allyl radical, resulting perhaps more from the stabilization of alkyl radicals by α-halogen atoms than from differences in the unsaturated systems.     

Kinetics of the pyrolysis of 1,2-diiodoethylene

The spectrophotometric determination of the rate of pyrolysis of 1,2-diiodoethylene from 305.8 to 435.0° (with additional data on the addition of iodine to acetylene from 198.1 to 331.6°) has resulted in the observation of both a (in part heterogeneous) unimolecular process (A), and an iodine atom catalyzed process (B). For the homogeneous unimolecular process, log (k_A/sec^?1) ≈ 12.5–46/θ would appear to be reasonable, while log (k_B/M^?1 sec^?1) = 11.8–23.9/θ, where θ = 2.303RT in kcal/mole. It is suggested that a donor–acceptor complex intermediate may explain the observed rate constant of process B and analogous reactions in other systems.     

Kinetics of the iodine atom catalyzed gas phase geometrical isomerization of diiodoethylene. Rotation about a single bond

The spectrophotometric determination of the rate of iodine atom catalyzed geometrical isomerization of diiodoethylene in the gas phase from 502.8 to 609.1°K leads to a rate constant for the bimolecular reaction between I and trans-diiodoethylene of log k_t?c(M^?1 sec^?1) = 8.85 ± 0.12 ? (11.01 ± 0.30)/θ. Estimates of the entropy and enthalpy change for the addition of I atoms to trans-diiodoethylene (process a.b) lead to log K_a.b(M^?1) = ?2.99 ? 4.0/θ, and thus to log k_c (sec^?1) = log k_t?c – log K_ab = 11.8 ?7.0/θ for the rate constant for rotation about the single bond in the adduct radical. The theory for calculation of the rotation rate constant is presented and it is shown that while the exact value depends on the barrier height, a value of 6.8 kcal/mole for this quantity leads to log k (sec^?1) = 11.8 ?6.7/θ. The activation energy points to a better value of the group contribution to heat of formation of the group C -(I)₂(H)(C) than one based on bond additivity.     

The Gas-phase thermal unimolecular isomerization of n-propylidenecyclopropylamine to 5-ethyl-1-pyrroline

The gas-phase thermal isomerization of N-propylidenecyclopropylamine has been studied in the temerature range of 573° to 635°K. The reaction is homogeneous and kinetically first order and yields 5-ethyl-1-pyrroline as the sole product. The rate constants are independent of pressure in the range of 2.5 to 55 torr and fit the Arrhenius relationship log k(sec^?1) = (14.05 ± 0.06) - (47.77 ± 0.16)/θ where θ = 2.303 RT in units of kcal/mole, or log k(sec^?1) = (14.05 ± 0.06) - (199.9 ± 0.7)/θ, where θ = 2.303RT in kJ/mole. From considerations of a biradical pathway it is concluded that the resonance stabilization energy of the substituted 2-aza-allyl radical is very similar to that of the methallyl radical.     

Thermische Zerfallsreaktionen von Nitroverbindungen I: Dissoziation von Nitromethan

The thermal decomposition of CH₃NO₂ highly diluted in Ar has been studied in shock waves at 900 < T < 1500 K and 1.5 · 10^?5 < [Ar] < 3.5 · 10^?4 mol/cm³. Concentration profiles of CH₃NO₂ and NO₂ were recorded. The unimolecular reaction was found to be in its fall-off range. Limiting low pressure rate constants of k₀ = [Ar] · 10^17.1 exp(?42(kcal/mol)/RT) cm³/ mol sec in the range 900 < T < 1400 K and limiting high pressure rate constants of k_∞ = 10^16.25 exp (?(58.5 ± 0.5 kcal/mol)/RT) sec^?1 have been derived. A rate constant of 1.3 · 10¹³ cm³/mol sec was found for the first subsequent reaction CH₃+NO₂ → CH₃O+NO.     

The carbon–hydrogen bond strength in dimethyl ether and some properties of iodomethyl methyl ether

The kinetics and mechanism of the reaction between iodine and dimethyl ether (DME) have been studied spectrophotometrically from 515–630°K over the pressure ranges, I₂ 3.8–18.9 torr and DME 39.6–592 torr in a static system. The rate-determining step is, where k₁ is given by log (k₁/M^?1 sec^?1) = 11.5 ± 0.3 – 23.2 ± 0.7/θ, with θ = 2.303RT in kcal/mole. The ratio k₂/k_?1, is given by log (k₂/k_?1) = ?0.05 ± 0.19 + (0.9 ± 0.45)/θ, whence the carbon-hydrogen bond dissociation energy, DH° (H? CH₂OCH₃) = 93.3 ± 1 kcal/mole. From this, ΔH°_f(CH₂OCH₃) = ?2.8 kcal and DH°(CH₃? OCH₂) = 9.1 kcal/mole. Some nmr and uv spectral features of iodomethyl ether are reported.