Long path-FTIR studies of some atmospheric reactions involving CF3OO and CF3O radicals

In attempts to obtain kinetic and mechanistic data required for an assessment of atmospheric fate of alternative halocarbons containing a CF₃ group, reactions of the key free radical intermediates CF₃OO and CF₃O with several atmospheric compounds (i.e., NO, NO₂, alkanes and alkenes) have been studied at 297 ± 2 K in 700 torr of air. Experiments employed the long path-FTIR spectroscopic method for product analysis and the visible (400 nm) photolysis of CF₃NO → CF₃ + NO as a source for the precursor radical CF₃. Numerous labile and stable F-containing molecular products have been characterized based on kinetic and spectroscopic data obtained at sufficiently short photolysis time (≤1 min) to minimize heterogeneous decay on the reactor walls. Major new findings have been made for the reactions involving CF₃O radicals. The behavior of CF₃O radicals has been shown to be markedly different from that of CH₃O radicals, i.e., (1) O₂-reaction: no evidence for the F-atom transfer reaction CF₃O + O₂ → CF₂ O + FOO; (2) NO-reaction: addition reaction CH₃O + NO (+M) → CH₃ONO (+M), but F-transfer reaction CF₃O + NO → CF₂O + FNO; (3) NO₂-reaction: addition reaction for both radicals, but F-transfer reaction CF₃ + NO₂ → CF₂O + FNO₂ to a minor extent; (4) alkane-reaction: much faster H-abstraction by CF₃O, comparable to HO; (5) alkene-reaction: much faster addition reaction of CF₃O, comparable to HO. These results are summarized in this paper.     

Rate constants for the gas‐phase reaction of CF3CF2CF2CF2CF2CHF2 with OH radicals at 250–430 K

The rate constants k₁ for the reaction of CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂CHF₂ with OH radicals were determined by using both absolute and relative rate methods. The absolute rate constants were measured at 250–430 K using the flash photolysis–laser‐induced fluorescence (FP‐LIF) technique and the laser photolysis–laser‐induced fluorescence (LP‐LIF) technique to monitor the OH radical concentration. The relative rate constants were measured at 253–328 K in an 11.5‐dm³ reaction chamber with either CHF₂Cl or CH₂FCF₃ as a reference compound. OH radicals were produced by UV photolysis of an O₃–H₂O–He mixture at an initial pressure of 200 Torr. Ozone was continuously introduced into the reaction chamber during the UV irradiation. The k₁ (298 K) values determined by the absolute method were (1.69 ± 0.07) × 10^?15 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 (FP‐LIF method) and (1.72 ± 0.07) × 10^?15 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 (LP‐LIF method), whereas the K₁ (298 K) values determined by the relative method were (1.87 ± 0.11) × 10^?15 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 (CHF₂Cl reference) and (2.12 ± 0.11) × 10^?15 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 (CH₂FCF₃ reference). These data are in agreement with each other within the estimated experimental uncertainties. The Arrhenius rate constant determined from the kinetic data was K₁ = (4.71 ± 0.94) × 10^?13 exp[?(1630 ± 80)/T] cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. Using kinetic data for the reaction of tropospheric CH₃CCl₃ with OH radicals [k₁ (272 K) = 6.0 × 10^?15 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, tropospheric lifetime of CH₃CCl₃ = 6.0 years], we estimated the tropospheric lifetime of CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂CHF₂ through reaction with OH radicals to be 31 years. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 36: 26–33, 2004     

Kinetics of the gas‐phase reaction of CF3OC(O)H with OH radicals at 242–328 K

The rate constants, k₁, of the reaction of CF₃OC(O)H with OH radicals were measured by using a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic technique in an 11.5‐dm³ reaction chamber at 242–328 K. OH radicals were produced by UV photolysis of an O₃–H₂O–He mixture at an initial pressure of 200 Torr. Ozone was continuously introduced into the reaction chamber during UV irradiation. With CF₃OCH₃ as a reference compound, k₁ at 298 K was (1.65 ± 0.13) × 10^?14 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. The temperature dependence of k₁ was determined as (2.33 ± 0.42) × 10^?12 exp[?(1480 ± 60)/T] cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1; possible systematic uncertainty could add an additional 20% to the k₁ values. The atmospheric lifetime of CF₃OC(O)H with respect to reaction with OH radicals was calculated to be 3.6 years. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 36: 337–344 2004     

EPR kinetic study of the reactions of CF3Br with H atoms and OH radicals

Reactions of CF₃Br with H atoms and OH radicals have been studied at room temperature at 1–2 torr pressures in a discharge flow reactor coupled to an EPR spectrometer. The rate constant of the reaction H + CF₃Br → CF₃ + HBr (1) was found to be k₁ = (3.27 ± 0.34) × 10^?14 cm³/molec·sec. For the reaction of OH with CF₃Br (8) an upper limit of 1 × 10^?15 cm³/molec·sec was determined for k₈. When H atoms were in excess compared to NO₂, used to produce OH radicals, a noticeable reactivity of OH was observed as a result of the reaction OH + HBr → H₂O + Br, HBr being produced from reaction (1).     

Kinetics for the gas‐phase reactions of OH radicals with the hydrofluoroethers CH2FCF2OCHF2, CHF2CF2OCH2CF3, CF3CHFCF2OCH2CF3, and CF3CHFCF2OCH2CF2CHF2 at 268–308 K

Rate constants were determined for the reactions of OH radicals with the hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) CH₂FCF₂OCHF₂(k₁), CHF₂CF₂OCH₂CF₃ (k₂), CF₃CHFCF₂OCH₂CF₃(k₃), and CF₃CHFCF₂OCH₂CF₂CHF₂(k₄) by using a relative rate method. OH radicals were prepared by photolysis of ozone at UV wavelengths (>260 nm) in 100 Torr of a HFE–reference–H₂O–O₃–O₂–He gas mixture in a 1‐m³ temperature‐controlled chamber. By using CH₄, CH₃CCl₃, CHF₂Cl, and CF₃CF₂CF₂OCH₃ as the reference compounds, reaction rate constants of OH radicals of k₁ = (1.68) × 10^?12 exp[(?1710 ± 140)/T], k₂ = (1.36) × 10^?12 exp[(?1470 ± 90)/T], k₃ = (1.67) × 10^?12 exp[(?1560 ± 140)/T], and k₄ = (2.39) × 10^?12 exp[(?1560 ± 110)/T] cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 were obtained at 268–308 K. The errors reported are ± 2 SD, and represent precision only. We estimate that the potential systematic errors associated with uncertainties in the reference rate constants add a further 10% uncertainty to the values of k₁–k₄. The results are discussed in relation to the predictions of Atkinson's structure–activity relationship model. The dominant tropospheric loss process for the HFEs studied here is considered to be by the reaction with the OH radicals, with atmospheric lifetimes of 11.5, 5.9, 6.7, and 4.7 years calculated for CH₂FCF₂OCHF₂, CHF₂CF₂OCH₂CF₃, CF₃CHFCF₂OCH₂CF₃, and CF₃CHFCF₂OCH₂CF₂CHF₂, respectively, by scaling from the lifetime of CH₃CCl₃. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 35: 239–245, 2003     

Theoretical study on the reaction of (Z)‐CF3CHCHCF3 with OH radicals

The mechanism on the OH‐initiated atmospheric oxidation reaction of (Z)‐CF₃CH?CHCF₃ with and without O₂/NO has been investigated theoretically. The electronic structure information of the potential energy surface was obtained at the M06‐2X/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level, and the single‐point energies were refined by MCG3/3 method. The calculations show that the (Z)‐CF₃CH?CHCF₃ + OH reaction occurs via addition‐elimination mechanism, leading to products CF₃ and CF₃CH?CH(OH), rather than H‐abstraction mechanism at low temperature. Under atmospheric condition, the OH‐addition intermediate is likely to react rapidly with O₂/NO, and the likely products are CF₃C(O)H, CF₂(O), CF₃CH(OH)CH(O), FNO, and HO₂, as is proposed by experiment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Photolysis of CF3NO as a source of CF3 radicals,rate constant of the CF3 + CF3NO reaction at 296 K

The linear absorption cross-sections and photodissociation quantum yields for CF₃NO have been measured at the wavelengths 694.3 and 632.8 nm (ruby and He(SINGLEBOND)Ne lasers, respectively) in a wide range of total pressure at T = 296 K. The secondary reactions following the photolysis of CF₃NO have been studied. The rate constant of the CF₃ + CF₃NO reaction has been measured. The results obtained show CF₃NO photolysis be a convenient source of CF₃ radicals for kinetic studies. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The fluorine atom initiated oxidation of CF3CFH2 (HFC-134a) studied by FTIR spectroscopy

Experiments have been carried out on the oxidation of CF₃CFH₂ (HFC-134a). Reaction was initiated by continuous photolysis of F₂ in the near-ultraviolet. The F atoms produced abstracted a hydrogen atom from CF₃CFH₂ initiating oxidation in gas mixtures containing O₂ and made up to a total pressure of 700 torr with N₂. Product yields were measured using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Experiments were performed with several different partial pressures of O₂ present, and at three temperatures; 298, 323, and 357 K. The major products were HC(O)F, CF₃C(O)F, and CF₃O₃CF₃, consistent with H atom abstraction by O₂ and CC bond scission being the dominant loss processes for CF₃CFHO radicals: CF₃CFHO+0₂ → CF₃C(O)F+HO₂ (4a) CF₃CFHO+M → CF₃+HC(O)F+M (4b) The following expression was derived for the ratio of rate constants for these reactions: k_4a/k_4b=(3.8±1.6)×10⁻²⁴ exp[(2400±500)/T]cm³ molecule⁻¹ (viii) The main fate of the CF₃ radicals was formation of CF₃O₃CF₃ and small amounts of CF₃OH were detected. The results of the present experiments in which F atoms were used to initiate reaction are in good agreement with those of previous studies in which Cl atoms were employed to initiate the oxidation of HFC-134a. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 30: 541–554, 1998     

Rate constants for the reactions of OH radicals with CH3OCF2CF3, CH3OCF2CF2CF3, and CH3OCF(CF3)2

The rate constants for the reactions of OH radicals with CH₃OCF₂CF₃, CH₃OCF₂CF₂CF₃, and CH₃OCF(CF₃)₂ have been measured over the temperature range 250–430 K. Kinetic measurements have been carried out using the flash photolysis, laser photolysis, and discharge flow methods combined respectively with the laser induced fluorescence technique. The influence of impurities in the samples was investigated by using gas‐chromatography. The following Arrhenius expressions were determined: k(CH₃OCF₂CF₃) = (1.90) × 10⁻¹² exp[−(1510 ± 120)/T], k(CH₃OCF₂CF₂CF₃) = (2.06) × 10⁻¹² exp[−(1540 ± 80)/T], and k(CH₃OCF(CF₃)₂) = (1.94) × 10⁻¹² exp[−(1450 ± 70)/T] cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 846–853, 1999     

Dissociation and IVR pathways for the CF3H(H2O)3 cluster

Classical trajectory simulations are used to study the intramolecular dynamics of isolated CF₃H and the CF₃H(H₂O)₃ cluster, by either exciting the CH stretch local mode to then=6 level or by adding an equivalent amount of energy to an OH stretch normal mode. Energy transfer from the CH local mode is statistically the same for CF₃H(H₂O)₃ as for isolated CF₃H, and agrees with previous experimental studies. Clusters excited with 6 quanta in the CH local mode are remarkably stable. Though the CF₃H-(H₂O)₃ intermolecular potential is only 1.5 kcal/mol, only 1 of 26 clusters excited with 6 quanta in the CH local mode dissociate within 10 ps. The absorption linewidth for the CH local mode in CF₃H(H₂O)₃ is related to IVR within CF₃H and not to the unimolecular lifetime of the cluster. When an OH stretch normal mode of the cluster is excited, energy transfer to CF₃H is negligible and nearly one half of the clusters dissociate within 10 ps.     

Kinetics of the gas‐phase reactions of cyclo‐CF2CFXCHXCHX – (X = H,F, Cl) with OH radicals at 253–328 K

Rate constants were determined for the reactions of OH radicals with halogenated cyclobutanes cyclo‐CF₂CF₂CHFCH₂? (k₁), trans‐cyclo‐CF₂CF₂CHClCHF? (k₂), cyclo‐CF₂CFClCH₂CH₂? (k₃), trans‐cyclo‐CF₂CFClCHClCH₂? (k₄), and cis‐cyclo‐CF₂CFClCHClCH₂? (k₅) by using a relative rate method. OH radicals were prepared by photolysis of ozone at a UV wavelength (254 nm) in 200 Torr of a sample reference H₂O? O₃? O₂? He gas mixture in an 11.5‐dm³ temperature‐controlled reaction chamber. Rate constants of k₁ = (5.52 ± 1.32) × 10^?13 exp[–(1050 ± 70)/T], k₂ = (3.37 ± 0.88) × 10^?13 exp[–(850 ± 80)/T], k₃ = (9.54 ± 4.34) × 10^?13 exp[–(1000 ± 140)/T], k₄ = (5.47 ± 0.90) × 10^?13 exp[–(720 ± 50)/T], and k₅ = (5.21 ± 0.88) × 10^?13 exp[–(630 ± 50)/T] cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 were obtained at 253–328 K. The errors reported are ± 2 standard deviations, and represent precision only. Potential systematic errors associated with uncertainties in the reference rate constants could add an additional 10%–15% uncertainty to the uncertainty of k₁–k₅. The reactivity trends of these OH radical reactions were analyzed by using a collision theory–based kinetic equation. The rate constants k₁–k₅ as well as those of related halogenated cyclobutane analogues were found to be strongly correlated with their C? H bond dissociation enthalpies. We consider the dominant tropospheric loss process for the halogenated cyclobutanes studied here to be by reaction with the OH radicals, and atmospheric lifetimes of 3.2, 2.5, 1.5, 0.9, and 0.7 years are calculated for cyclo‐CF₂CF₂CHFCH₂? , trans‐cyclo‐CF₂CF₂CHClCHF? , cyclo‐CF₂CFClCH₂CH₂? , trans‐cyclo‐CF₂CFClCHClCH₂? , and cis‐cyclo‐CF₂CFClCHClCH₂? , respectively, by scaling from the lifetime of CH₃CCl₃. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 532–542, 2009     

UV absorption spectrum,and kinetics and mechanism of the self reaction of CF3CF2O2 radicals in the gas phase at 295 K

The ultraviolet absorption spectrum, kinetics, and mechanism of the self reaction of CF₃CF₂O₂ radicals have been studied in the gas phase at 295 K. Two techniques were used; pulse radiolysis UV absorption to measure the spectrum and kinetics, and long-path length FTIR spectroscopy to identify and quantify the reaction products. Absorption cross sections were quantified over the wavelength range 220–270 nm. At 230 nm, σ = (2.74 ± 0.46) ×10^?18 cm² molecule^?1. This absorption cross section was used to derive the observed self reaction rate constant for reaction (1), defined as, ?d[CF₃CF₂O₂]/dt = 2k_1obs[CF₃CF₂O₂]²: k_1obs = (2.10 ± 0.38) ×10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 (2σ). The observed products following the self reaction of CF₃CF₂O₂ radicals were COF₂, CF₃O₃CF₃, CF₃O₃C₂F₅, and CF₃OH. CF₃O₂CF₃ was tentatively identified as a product. The carbon balance was 90–100%. The self reaction of CF₃CF₂O₂ radicals was found to proceed via one channel to produce CF₃CF₂O radicals which then decompose to give CF₃ radicals and COF₂. In the presence of O₂, CF₃ radicals are converted into CF₃O radicals. CF₃O radicals have several fates; self reaction to give CF₃O₂CF₃; reaction with CF₃O₂ radicals to give CF₃O₃CF₃; reaction with C₂F₅O₂ radicals to give CF₃O₃C₂F₅; or reaction with CF₃CF₂H to give CF₃OH. As part of this work a rate constant of (2.5 ± 0.6) ×10^?16 cm³ molecule^?s^?1 was measured for the reaction of Cl atoms with CF₃CHF₂ using a relative rate technique. Results are discussed with respect to the atmospheric chemistry of CF₃CF₂H (HFC-125). © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Substituent effects on the disproportionation-combination rate constant ratios for gas-phase halocarbon radicals. Part III: Reactions of CF3 + CF3CH2 CHCF3 and CF3 CH2CHCF3 + CF3CH2 CHCF3

Disproportionation/combination rate constant ratios, k_d/k_c, for the reactive collision between CF₃CH₂CHX + CF₃ radicals and between CF₃CH₂CHX + CF₃CH₂CHX radicals have been measured for X = CF₃. The k_d/k_c = 0.066 ± 0.013 when H is transferred to the CF₃ radical and 0.125 ± 0.025 for H transfer to the CF₃CH₂CHCF₃ radical. Comparison of these results with previous work shows that X = CF₃ increases the k_c/k_c' s relative to X = Cl or H. The effect of the CF₃ substituent on the disproportionation rate is discussed. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Absolute rate constants for the reactions ofOHradicals withCH3CH2OH, CF2HCH2OHandCF3CH2OH

Summary Pulsed laser photolysis with resonance fluorescence monitoring of OH radicals was applied at T = 300±2 K to obtain the rate constants of k₁= (3.38±0.60)x10^-12, k₂= (2.52±0.44)x10^-13and k₃ = (1.06±0.30)x10^-13cm³molecule^-1s^-1with 2σprecision given for the overall reactions OH + CH₃CH₂OH (1), OH + CF₂HCH₂OH (2) and OH + CF₃CH₂OH (3), respectively. k₂is the first direct kinetic data for the reaction of OH radicals with CF₂HCH₂OH reported in the literature.</o:p>     

Substituent effects on the disproportionation‐combination rate constant ratios for gas‐phase halocarbon radicals. IV. Reactions of ·CF3 + CF3CH2CF2· and CF3CH2CF2· + CF3CH2CF2·

Rate constant ratios, k_d/k_c, for the disproportionation/combination reaction at a temperature of 295 ± 2 K, have been measured as 0.034 ± 0.009 for the collision between CF₃CH₂CF₂ + CF₃ radicals and as 0.075 ± 0.019 for CF₃CH₂CF₂ + CF₃CH₂CF₂ radicals. The effect of the two fluorine substituents on the rate constant ratio is compared to previous k_d/k_cs with CF₃CH₂CH₂, CF₃CH₂CHCl, and CF₃CH₂CHCF₃ radicals. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet: 31: 237–243, 1999     

UV absorption cross sections between 230 and 350 nm and pressure dependence of the photolysis quantum yield at 308 nm of CF3CH2CHO

Ultraviolet (UV) absorption cross sections of CF(3)CH(2)CHO were determined between 230 and 350 nm by gas-phase UV spectroscopy. The forbidden n → π* transition was characterized as a function of temperature (269-323 K). In addition, the photochemical degradation of CF(3)CH(2)CHO was investigated at 308 nm. The possible photolysis channels are: CF(3)CH(2) + HCO , CF(3)CH(3) + CO , and CF(3)CH(2)CO + H . Photolysis quantum yields of CF(3)CH(2)CHO at 308 nm, Φ(λ=308nm), were measured as a function of pressure (25-760 Torr of synthetic air). The pressure dependence of Φ(λ=308nm) can be expressed as the following Stern-Volmer equation: 1/Φ(λ=308nm) = (4.65 ± 0.56) + (1.51 ± 0.04) × 10(-18) [M] ([M] in molecule cm(-3)). Using the absorption cross sections and the photolysis quantum yields reported here, the photolysis rate coefficient of this fluorinated aldehyde throughout the troposphere was estimated. This calculation shows that tropospheric photolysis of CF(3)CH(2)CHO is competitive with the removal initiated by OH radicals at low altitudes, but it can be the major degradation route at higher altitudes. Photodegradation products (CO, HC(O)OH, CF(3)CHO, CF(3)CH(2)OH, and F(2)CO) were identified and also quantified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. CF(3)CH(2)C(O)OH was identified as an end-product as a result of the chemistry involving CF(3)CH(2)CO radicals formed in the OH + CF(3)CH(2)CHO reaction. In the presence of an OH-scavenger (cyclohexane), CF(3)CH(2)C(O)OH was not detected, indicating that channel (R1c) is negligible. Based on a proposed mechanism, our results provide strong evidences of the significant participation of the radical-forming channel (R1a).     

Kinetics of gas‐phase reactions of CH3OCH2CF3, CH3OCH3, CH3OCH2CH3, CH3CH2OCH2CH3, and CHF2CF2OCH2CF3 with NO3 radicals at 298 K

Rate constants for the gas‐phase reactions of CH₃OCH₂CF₃ (k₁), CH₃OCH₃ (k₂), CH₃OCH₂CH₃ (k₃), and CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₃ (k₄) with NO₃ radicals were determined by means of a relative rate method at 298 K. NO₃ radicals were prepared by thermal decomposition of N₂O₅ in a 700–750 Torr N₂O₅/NO₂/NO₃/air gas mixture in a 1‐m³ temperature‐controlled chamber. The measured rate constants at 298 K were k₁ = (5.3 ± 0.9) × 10^?18, k₂ = (1.07 ± 0.10) × 10^?16, k₃ = (7.81 ± 0.36) × 10^?16, and k₄ = (2.80 ± 0.10) × 10^?15 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. Potential energy surfaces for the NO₃ radical reactions were computationally explored, and the rate constants of k₁–k₅ were calculated according to the transition state theory. The calculated values of rate constants k₁–k₄ were in reasonable agreement with the experimentally determined values. The calculated value of k₅ was compared with the estimate (k₅ < 5.3 × 10^?21 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1) derived from the correlation between the rate constants for reactions with NO₃ radicals (k₁–k₄) and the corresponding rate constants for reactions with OH radicals. We estimated the tropospheric lifetimes of CH₃OCH₂CF₃ and CHF₂CF₂OCH₂CF₃ to be 240 and >2.4 × 10⁵ years, respectively, with respect to reaction with NO₃ radicals. The tropospheric lifetimes of these compounds are much shorter with respect to the OH reaction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 490–497, 2009     

Absolute rate constants for the self reactions of HO2, CF3CFHO2, and CF3O2 radicals and the cross reactions of HO2 with FO2, HO2 with CF3CFHO2, and HO2 with CF3O2 at 295 K

The kinetics of the self-reactions of HO₂, CF₃CFHO₂, and CF₃O₂ radicals and the cross reactions of HO₂ with FO₂, HO₂ with CF₃CFHO₂, and HO₂ with CF₃O₂ radicals, were studied by pulse radiolysis combined with time resolved UV absorption spectroscopy at 295 K. The rate constants for these reactions were obtained by computer simulation of absorption transients monitored at 220, 230, and 240 nm. The following rate constants were obtained at 295 K and 1000 mbar total pressure of SF₆ (unit: 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹): k(HO₂+HO₂)=3.5±1.0, k(CF₃CFHO₂+CF₃CFHO₂)=3.5±0.8, k(CF₃O₂+CF₃O₂)=2.25±0.30, k(HO₂+FO₂)=9±4, k(CF₃CFHO₂+HO₂)=5.0±1.5, and k(CF₃O₂+HO₂)=4.0±2.0. In addition, the decomposition rate of CF₃CFHO radicals was estimated to be (0.2–2)×10³ s⁻¹ in 1000 mbar of SF₆. Results are discussed in the context of the atmospheric chemistry of hydrofluorocarbons. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Thermal decomposition of trifluoromethoxycarbonyl peroxy nitrate,CF3OC(O)O2NO2

The thermal decomposition of trifluoromethoxycarbonyl peroxy nitrate, CF₃OC(O)O₂NO₂, has been studied between 278 and 306 K at 270 mbar total pressure using He as a diluent gas. The pressure dependence of the reaction was also studied at 292 K between 1.2 and 270 mbar total pressure. The rate constant reaches its high‐pressure limit at 70 mbar. The first step of the decomposition leads to CF₃OC(O)O₂ and NO₂ formation, that is, CF₃OC(O)O₂NO₂ + M ? CF₃OC(O)O₂ + NO₂ + M (k₁, k_?1). Reaction (?1) was prevented by adding an excess of NO that reacts with the peroxy radical intermediate and leads to carbonyl fluoride (CF₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and small quantities of CF₃OC(O)O₂C(O)OCF₃. The kinetics of reaction (1) was determined by following the loss of CF₃OC(O)O₂NO₂ via IR spectroscopy. The temperature dependence of the decomposition follows the equation k₁(T) = 1.0 × 10¹⁶ e^{?((111±3)/(RT))} for the exponential term expressed in kJ mol^?1. The values obtained for the kinetic parameters such as k₁ at 298 K, the activation energy (E_a), and the preexponential factor (A) are compared with literature data for other acyl peroxy nitrates. The atmospheric thermal stability of CF₃OC(O)O₂NO₂ and its dependence with altitude is discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 831–838, 2008     

Relative rate constants for reactions of HFC 152a, 143, 143a, 134a,and HCFC 124 with F or Cl atoms and for CF2CH3, CF2HCH2, and CF3CFH radicals with F2, Cl2, and O2

Relative rate experiments using UV photolysis of F₂ or Cl₂ have been used to determine rate constant ratios for several hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) reactions with Cl or F atoms and for HFC alkyl radicals with molecular halogens. For mixtures with F₂ present, dark reactions are, also, observed which are attributed to thermal dissociation of the F₂ to form F atoms. At 296 K, the rate of reaction (1a) [CF₂HCH₃ + F → CF₂CH₃ + HF] relative to (1b) [CF₂HCH₃ + F → CF₂HCH₂ + HF] is k_1a/k_1b = 0.73 (±0.13) and is independent of T (= 262–348 K). At 296 K, the ratio of reaction (2a) [CF₂HCH₂F + F → products] to that of (k_1a + k_1b) is (k_1a + k_1b)/k_2a = 2.7 (±0.4), and for reaction (2b) [CF₃CH₃ + F → products] (k_1a + k_1b)/k_2b = 22 ± 12. The temperature dependence (263–365 K) of the rate constant of reaction (3) [CF₃CFH₂ + Cl → products] relative to reaction (4) [CF₃CFClH + Cl → products] is k₃/k₄(±10%) = 1.55 exp(?300 K/T). For the alkyl radicals formed from HFC 152a (CF₂HCH₂ and CF₂CH₃) and from HFC 134a (CF₃CFH), rate constants for the reactions with F₂ and Cl₂ were measured relative to their reactions with O₂. The rate constant of reaction (5cl) [CF₂CH₃ + Cl₂ → CF₂ClCH₃ + Cl] relative to (5o) [CF₂CH₃ + O₂ → CF₂(O₂)CH₃] is k_5cl/k_5o(±15%) = 0.3 exp(200 K/T). For reaction (5f) [CF₂CH₃ + F₂ → CF₃CH₃ + F], k_5f/k_5o(±35%) = 0.23. The ratio for reaction (6f) [CF₂HCH₂ + F₂ → CF₂HCH₂F + F] relative to (6o) [CF₂HCH₂ + O₂ → CF₂HCH₂O₂] is k_6f/k_6o(±40%) = 1.23 exp(?730 K/T). The rate constant ratio for reaction (8cl) [CF₃CFH + Cl₂ → CF₃CFClH + Cl] relative to reaction (8o) [CF₃CFH + O₂ → CF₃CFHO₂] is k_8cl/k_8o(±18%) = 0.16 exp(?940 K/T). For reaction (8f) [CF₃CFH + F₂ → CF₃CF₂H + F], k_8f/k_8o(±35%) = 0.6 exp(?860 K/T). © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.