High‐temperature dissociation of ethyl radicals and ethyl iodide

The decomposition of ethyl iodide and subsequent dissociation of ethyl radicals have been investigated behind incident shock waves in a diaphragmless shock tube by laser‐schlieren (LS) densitometry (1150–1870 K, 55 ± 2 Torr and 123 ± 3 Torr). The LS density‐gradient profiles were simulated assuming that the initial dissociation of C₂H₅I proceeded by 87% C–I fission and 13% HI elimination. Excellent agreement was found between the simulations and experimental profiles. Rate coefficients for the C–I scission reaction were obtained and show strong falloff. Gorin model RRKM (Rice, Ramsperger, Kassel, and Marcus) calculations are in excellent agreement with the experimental data with E₀ = 55.0 kcal/mol, which is in very good agreement with recent thermochemical measurements and evaluations. However, E₀ is approximately 2.7 kcal/mol higher than previous estimates. First‐order rate coefficients for dissociation of C₂H₅I were determined to be k_55Torr = 8.65 × 10⁶⁸ T^?16.65 exp(?37,890/T) s^?1, k_123Torr = 3.01 × 10⁶⁹ T^?16.68 exp(?38,430/T) s^?1, k_∞ = 2.52 × 10¹⁹ T^?1.01 exp(?28,775/T) s^?1. Rates of dissociation for ethyl radicals were also obtained, and these are in very good agreement with theoretical predictions (Miller J. A. and Klippenstein S. J. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2004, 6, 1192–1202). The simulations show that at low temperatures ethyl radicals are consumed through recombination reactions as well as dissociation, whereas at high temperatures, dissociation dominates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 433–443, 2012     

IR laser absorption diagnostic for C2H4 in shock tube kinetics studies

An IR laser absorption diagnostic has been further developed for accurate and sensitive time‐resolved measurements of ethylene in shock tube kinetic experiments. The diagnostic utilizes the P14 line of a tunable CO₂ gas laser at 10.532 μm (the (0 0 1) → (1 0 0) vibrational band) and achieves improved signal‐to‐noise ratio by using IR photovoltaic detectors and accurate identification of the P14 line via an MIR wavemeter. Ethylene absorption cross sections were measured over 643–1959 K and 0.3–18.6 atm behind both incident and reflected shock waves, showing evident exponential decay with temperature. Very weak pressure dependence was observed over the pressure range of 1.2–18.6 atm. By measuring ethylene decomposition time histories at high‐temperature conditions (1519–1895 K, 2.0–2.8 atm) behind reflected shocks, the rate coefficient of the dominant elementary reaction C₂H₄ + M → C₂H₂ + H₂ + M was determined to be k₁ = (2.6 ± 0.5) × 10¹⁶exp(?34,130/T, K) cm³ mol^?1 s^?1 with low data scatter. Ethylene concentration time histories were also measured during the oxidation of 0.5% C₂H₄/O₂/Ar mixtures varying in equivalence ratio from 0.25 to 2. Initial reflected shock conditions ranged from 1267 to 1440 K and 2.95 to 3.45 atm. The measured time histories were compared to the modeled predictions of four ethylene oxidation mechanisms, showing excellent agreement with the Ranzi et al. mechanism (updated in 2011). This diagnostic scheme provides a promising tool for the study and validation of detailed hydrocarbon pyrolysis and oxidation mechanisms of fuel surrogates and realistic fuels. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 423–432, 2012     

Standard reactions for comparative rate studies: Experiments on the dehydrochlorination reactions of 2‐chloropropane,chlorocyclopentane, and chlorocyclohexane

Single pulse shock tube studies of the thermal dehydrochlorination reactions (chlorocyclopentane → cyclopentene + HCl) and (chlorocyclohexane → cyclohexene + HCl) at temperatures of 843–1021 K and pressures of 1.4–2.4 bar have been carried out using the comparative rate technique. Rate constants have been measured relative to (2‐chloropropane → propene + HCl) and the decyclization reactions of cyclohexene, 4‐methylcyclohexene, and 4‐vinylcyclohexene. Absolute rate constants have been derived using k(cyclohexene → ethene + butadiene) = 1.4 × 10¹⁵ exp(?33,500/T) s^?1. These data provide a self‐consistent temperature scale of use in the comparison of chemical systems studied with different temperature standards. A combined analysis of the present results with the literature data from lower temperature static studies leads to

• k(2‐chloropropane) = 10^{(13.98±0.08)} exp(?26, 225 ± 130) K/T) s^?1; 590–1020 K; 1–3 bar
• k(chlorocylopentane) = 10^{(13.65 ± 0.10)} exp(?24,570 ± 160) K/T) s^?1; 590–1020 K; 1–3 bar
• k(chlorocylohexane) = 10^{(14.33 ± 0.10)} exp(?25,950 ± 180) K/T) s^?1; 590–1020 K; 1–3 bar

Including systematic uncertainties, expanded standard uncertainties are estimated to be about 15% near 600 K rising to about 25% at 1000 K. At 2 bar and 1000 K, the reactions are only slightly under their high‐pressure limits, but falloff effects rapidly become significant at higher temperatures. On the basis of computational studies and Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM)/Master Equation modeling of these and reference dehydrochlorination reactions, reported in more detail in an accompanying article, the following high‐pressure limits have been derived:

• k_∞ (2‐chloropropane) = 5.74 × 10⁹T^1.37 exp(?25,680/T) s^?1; 600–1600 K
• k_∞ (chlorocylopentane) = 7.65 × 10⁷T^1.75 exp(?23,320/T) s^?1; 600–1600 K
• k_∞ (chlorocylohexane) = 8.25 × 10⁹T^1.34 exp(?25,010/T) s^?1; 600–1600 K

© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

1 This article is a U.S. Government work and, as such, is in the public domain of the United States of America.

Int J Chem Kinet 44: 351–368, 2012     

Quantum chemical/vRRKM study on the thermal decomposition of cyclopentadiene

Thermal decomposition of cyclopentadiene to c‐C₅H₅ (cyclopentadienyl radical) + H (1) and the reverse bimolecular reaction (?1) are studied quantum‐chemically at the G2M level of theory. The dissociation pathway has been mapped out following the minimum energy path on the potential energy surface (PES) calculated by the density functional UB3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) method. Using isodesmic reaction analysis, the standard enthalpy of formation for c‐C₅H₅ is found to be 62.5 ± 1.3 kcal mol^?1, and the c‐C₅H₅? H bond dissociation energy is estimated as D°₂₉₈(c‐C₅H₅? H) = 82.5 ± 0.9 kcal mol^?1, in excellent agreement with the recent experimental values. Variational rate constants are computed on the basis of a scaled UB3LYP dissociation potential that fits the isodesmic/experimental enthalpy of Reaction (1). At the high pressure limit, k₁^∞ = 1.55 × 10¹⁸ T^?0.8 exp(?42300/T) s^?1 and k_?1^∞ = 2.67 × 10¹⁴ exp(?245/T) cm³ mol^?1 s^?1. The fall‐off effects are evaluated by a weak collision master equation/RRKM analysis. Calculated T, P‐dependent rate constants are in very good agreement with the most reliable experimental measurements. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 36: 139–151 2004     

What,Methane Again?!

A combination of an error discovered in the Multiwell code and some more recent examinations of the system CH₃ + H = CH₄ prompted a reexamination of earlier work by this author. Values of the energy transfer parameter, 〈ΔE_d〉, are considerably different from the previous study. It is suggested that the Baulch et al. parameters for this system can be improved by replacing the values for k_rec,₀ and k_rec,_∞ with values suggested by Troe and Ushakov. k_rec,₀ = [Ar] 10^?26.19 exp[–(T/21.22 K)^0.5] cm⁶ molecule^?2 s^?1, k_rec,_∞ = 3.34 × 10^?10 (T/25200 K)^0.186 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 while keeping their value for F_c = 0.63 exp(–T/3315) + 0.37 exp(–T/61).     

Vibrational relaxation and dissociation in the perfluoromethyl halides,CF3Cl,CF3Br,andCF3I

The processes of vibrational relaxation and unimolecular dissociation of the perfluoromethyl halides CF₃Cl, CF₃Br, and CF₃I have been studied in the shock tube with the laser-schlieren technique. Vibrational relaxation was resolved in pure CF₃Cl and CF₃Br (400–484 K and 400–500 K, respectively), and in the mixtures; 2% CF₃Cl/Kr (500–1000 K), 10% CF₃Cl/Kr (440–670 K), 4% CF₃Br/Kr (450–850 K), and 2% CF₃I/Kr (620–860 K). Relaxation in the pure gases is extremely rapid, but shows a well-resolved, accurately exponential decay which provides very precise relaxation times in close agreement with ultrasonic results. Relaxation times as short as 0.1 μs-atm can be resolved, showing the method has a resolution within a factor 2–3 of the best ultrasonic methods. Relaxation dilute in rare gas shows a complex double exponential behavior consistent with a two-stage series process. Rates of CF₃(SINGLEBOND)X fission in these mixtures were measured over 1800–3000 K, P<0.55 atm, for CF₃Cl; 1600–2500 K, P<0.55 atm, in CF₃Br; and 1260–2100 K, P<0.34 atm, in CF₃I. Rates for dissociation were derived from a full profile modeling using a secondary mechanism of six CF₃ reactions. RRKM analysis showed all dissociations to lie near the low pressure limit. Using literature barriers, these rates are best fit with (ΔE)_all=−270 cm⁻¹ for CF₃Cl, 〈ΔE〉_down=0.3 T for CF₃Br, and 〈ΔE〉_down=800 cm⁻¹ for CF₃F. All these transfers are on the large side, similar to those found in other halogenated methanes. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Experimental Study of the Reactions of OH Radicals with Propane,n‐Pentane,and n‐Heptane over a Wide Temperature Range

The kinetics of the reactions of propane, n‐pentane, and n‐heptane with OH radicals has been studied using a low‐pressure flow tube reactor (P = 1 Torr) coupled with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The rate constants of the title reactions were determined under pseudo–first‐order conditions, monitoring the kinetics of OH radical consumption in excess of the alkanes. A newly developed high‐temperature flow reactor was validated by the study of the OH + propane reaction, where the reaction rate constant, k₁ = 5.1 × 10^?17T^1.85exp(–160/T) cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 (uncertainty of 20%), measured in a wide temperature range, 230–898 K, was found to be in excellent agreement with previous studies and current recommendations. The experimental data for the rate constants of the reactions of OH with n‐pentane and n‐heptane can be represented as three parameter expressions (in cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, uncertainty of 20%): k₂ = 5.8 × 10^?18T^2.2exp(260/T) at T= 248–900 K and k₃ = 2.7 × 10^?16T^1.7exp(138/T) at T= 248–896 K, respectively. A combination of the present data with those from previous studies leads to the following expressions: k₁ = 2.64 × 10^?17T^1.93exp(–114/T), k₂ = 9.0 × 10^?17T^1.8 exp(120/T), and k₃ = 3.75 × 10^?16 T^1.65 exp(101/T) cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, which can be recommended for k₁, k₂, and k₃ (with uncertainty of 20%) in the temperature ranges 190–1300, 240–1300, and 220–1300 K, respectively.     

The thermal decomposition of water

The reflected shock tube technique with multipass absorption spectrometric detection of OH‐radicals at 308 nm, corresponding to a total path length of 1.749 m, has been used to study the reaction H₂O + M → H + OH + M between 2196 and 2792 K using 0.3, 0.5, and 1% H₂O, diluted in Kr. As a result of the increased sensitivity for OH‐radical detection, the existing database for this reaction could be extended downward by ～500 K. Combining the present work with that of Homer and Hurle, the composite rate expression for water dissociation in either Ar or Kr bath gas is k_{1,Ar(or Kr)} = (2.43 ± 0.57) × 10^?10 exp(?47117 ± 633 K/T) cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 over the T‐range of 2196–3290 K. Applying the Troe factorization method to data for both forward and reverse reactions, the rate behavior could be expressed to within <±18% over the T‐range, 300–3400 K, by the three‐parameter expression k_1,Ar = 1.007 × 10⁴ T^?3.322 exp(?60782 K/T) cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 A large enhancement due to H₂O with H₂O collisional activation has been noted previously, and both absolute and relative data have been considered allowing us to suggest k₁, H₂ O = 1.671 × 10² T^?2.440 exp(?60475 K/T) cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 for the rate constants with H₂O bath gas over the T‐range, 300–3400 K. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 211–219, 2006     

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.     

UV absorption study of the dissociation of SO2 and SO in shock waves

The thermal decomposition of SO₂ and of the primary dissociation product SO have been studied in shock waves by the uv absorption technique. The controversy about SO₂ dissociation data from uv absorption signals was resolved and attributed to the extensive overlap of SO₂ and SO uv absorption spectra. The derived rate coefficients are k₁/[Ar] = 10^15.6 exp(-420 kJmol^?1/RT) cm³mol^?1 s^?1 (temperature range 3000–5000 K) for SO₂ dissociation, and k₃/[Ar] = 10^14.6 exp(-448 kJmol^?1/RT) cm³ mol^?1 s^?1 (temperature range 4000–6000 K) for SO dissociation. Anomalously high values of the apparent collision efficiencies β_c in SO₂ dissociation are attributed to marked contributions from excited electronic states.     

Direct measurements of the reaction H + CH2O → H2 + HCO behind shock waves by means of Vis–UV detection of formaldehyde

The combination of sensitive detection of formaldehyde by 174 nm absorption and use of ethyl iodide as a hydrogen atom source allowed direct measurements of the reaction H + CH₂O → H₂ + HCO behind shock waves. The rate constant was determined for temperatures from 1510 to 1960 K to be k₂ = 6.6 × 10¹⁴ exp(?40.6 kJ mol^?1/RT) cm³ mol^?1 s^?1 (Δ log k₂ = ± 0.22) Considering the low uncertainty in k₂, which accounts both for experimental and mechanism‐induced contributions, this result supports the upper range of previously reported, largely scattered high temperature rate constants. Vis–UV light of 174 nm was generated by a microwave N₂ discharge lamp. At typical reflected shock wave conditions of 1750 K and 1.3 atm, as low as 33 ppm formaldehyde could be detected. High temperature absorption cross sections of CH₂O and other selected species have been determined. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 374–386, 2002     

The elimination kinetics and mechanisms of ethyl piperidine‐3‐carboxylate,ethyl 1‐methylpiperidine‐3‐carboxylate,and ethyl 3‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)propionate in the gas phase

The gas‐phase elimination kinetics of the above‐mentioned compounds were determined in a static reaction system over the temperature range of 369–450.3°C and pressure range of 29–103.5 Torr. The reactions are homogeneous, unimolecular, and obey a first‐order rate law. The rate coefficients are given by the following Arrhenius expressions: ethyl 3‐(piperidin‐1‐yl) propionate, log k₁(s^?1) = (12.79 ± 0.16) ? (199.7 ± 2.0) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1; ethyl 1‐methylpiperidine‐3‐carboxylate, log k₁(s^?1) = (13.07 ± 0.12)–(212.8 ± 1.6) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1; ethyl piperidine‐3‐carboxylate, log k₁(s^?1) = (13.12 ± 0.13) ? (210.4 ± 1.7) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1; and 3‐piperidine carboxylic acid, log k₁(s^?1) = (14.24 ± 0.17) ? (234.4 ± 2.2) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1. The first step of decomposition of these esters is the formation of the corresponding carboxylic acids and ethylene through a concerted six‐membered cyclic transition state type of mechanism. The intermediate β‐amino acids decarboxylate as the α‐amino acids but in terms of a semipolar six‐membered cyclic transition state mechanism. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 106–114, 2006     

Kinetics of the reaction of O3 with selected benzenediols

The kinetics of the reaction of O₃ with the aromatic vicinal diols 1,2‐benzenediol, 3‐methyl‐1,2‐benzenediol, and 4‐methyl‐1,2‐benzenediol have been investigated using a relative rate technique. The rate coefficients were determined in a 1080‐L smog chamber at 298 K and 1 atm total pressure of synthetic air using propene and 1,3‐butadiene as reference compounds. The following O₃ reaction rate coefficients (in units of cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1) have been obtained: k(1,2‐benzenediol) = (9.60 ± 1.12) × 10^?18, k(3‐methyl‐1,2‐benzenediol) = (2.81 ± 0.23) × 10^?17, k(4‐methyl‐1,2‐benzenediol) = (2.63 ± 0.34) × 10^?17. Absolute measurements of the O₃ rate coefficient have also been carried out by measuring the decay of the dihydroxy compound in an excess of O₃. The results from these experiments are in good agreement with the relative determinations. Atmospheric implications are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 35: 223–230, 2003     

Kinetic study of the gas‐phase reaction of the nitrate radical with methyl‐substituted thiophenes

The gas‐phase reactions of the NO₃ radical with 2‐methylthiophene, 3‐methylthiophene, and 2,5‐dimethylthiophene have been studied, using relative and absolute methods at 298 K. Determination of relative rate was performed using Teflon collapsible bag as the reaction chamber and gas chromatography as the analytical tool. For the absolute method, experiments were carried out using fast‐flow‐discharge technique with detection of NO₃ by laser‐induced fluorescence. The temperature dependence was studied by the absolute technique for the reactions of NO₃ with 2‐methylthiophene and 3‐methylthiophene in the range 263–335 K. The proposed Arrhenius expressions for the reaction of the nitrate radical with 2‐methylthiophene and 3‐methylthiophene are k = (4 ± 2) × 10^?16 exp[?(2200 ± 100)/T]] cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 and k = (3 ± 2) × 10^?15 exp[?(1700 ± 200)/T]] cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, respectively. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 35: 286–293, 2003     

Rate constants for the reaction OH + CO as functions of temperature and water concentration

Rate constants for the reaction OH + CO have been measured as functions of temperature (340–1220 K) and water concentration in the presence of 1 atm of argon. Results at zero water concentration yield the expression, log k_? (cm³ molecule^?1 S^?1) = ?12.96 + 4.7 × 10^?4 T, for the reaction rate constant as a function of temperature. These results are in very good agreement with previous direct measurements and in reasonable agreement with flame and shock tube measurements. Explanations are offered for the involvement of the water molecule in the present experiments and earlier measurements from this laboratory throughout the entire temperature range. Results are consistent with previous results showing little, if any, pressure effect of Ar on the reaction up to 1 atm of Ar.     

Kinetic and Mechanisms of the Homogeneous,Unimolecular Elimination of Phenyl Chloroformate and p‐Tolyl Chloroformate in the Gas Phase

The gas‐phase elimination of phenyl chloroformate gives chlorobenzene, 2‐chlorophenol, CO₂, and CO, whereasp‐tolyl chloroformate produces p‐chlorotoluene and 2‐chloro‐4‐methylphenol CO₂ and CO. The kinetic determination of phenyl chloroformate (440–480^oC, 60–110 Torr) and p‐tolyl chloroformate (430–480°C, 60–137 Torr) carried out in a deactivated static vessel, with the free radical inhibitor toluene always present, is homogeneous, unimolecular and follows a first‐order rate law. The rate coefficient is expressed by the following Arrhenius equations: Phenyl chloroformate: Formation of chlorobenzene, log k_I = (14.85 ± 0.38) – (260.4 ± 5.4) kJ mol^?1 (2.303RT)^?1; r = 0.9993 Formation of 2‐chlorophenol, log k_II = (12.76 ± 0.40) – (237.4 ± 5.6) kJ mol^?1(2.303RT)^?1; r = 0.9993 p‐Tolyl chloroformate: Formation of p‐chlorotoluene: log k_I = (14.35 ± 0.28) – (252.0 ± 1.5) kJ mol^–1 (2.303RT)^?1; r = 0.9993 Formation of 2‐chloro‐4‐methylphenol, log k_II = (12.81 ± 0.16) – (222.2 ± 0.9) kJ mol^?1(2.303RT)^–1; r = 0.9995 The estimation of the k_I values, which is the decarboxylation process in both substrates, suggests a mechanism involving an intramolecular nucleophilic displacement of the chlorine atom through a semipolar, concerted four‐membered cyclic transition state structure; whereas the k_II values, the decarbonylation in both substrates, imply an unusual migration of the chlorine atom to the aromatic ring through a semipolar, concerted five‐membered cyclic transition state type of mechanism. The bond polarization of the C–Cl, in the sense C^{δ+ …} Cl^δ?, appears to be the rate‐determining step of these elimination reactions.     

Kinetic isotope effects and rate constants for the gas‐phase reactions of three deuterated toluenes with OH from 298 to 353 K

The rate constants for the gas‐phase reactions of three deuterated toluenes with hydroxyl radicals were measured using the relative rate technique over the temperature range 298–353 K at about 1 atm total pressure. The OH radicals were generated by photolysis of H₂O₂, and helium was used as the diluent gas. The disappearance of reactants was followed by online mass spectrometry, which resulted in high time resolution, allowing for a large amount 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 molecule^?1 s^?1): k=(6.42_?0.99^+1.17)×10^?13exp [(661±54)/T] for toluene‐d₃, k=(2.11_?0.69^+1.03)×10^?12exp [(287±128)/T]for toluene‐d₅, and k=(1.40^+0.44_?0.33)×10^?12exp [(404±88)/T]for toluene‐d₈. The kinetic isotope effects (KIEs, k_H/k_D) of these reactions were 1.003 ± 0.042 for all three compounds at 298 K. The KIE for toluene‐d₃ was temperature dependent; at 350 K, its KIE was 1.122^+0.048_?0.046. The KIE of toluene‐d₅ and toluene‐d₈ did not vary significantly with temperature. These KIE results suggest that methyl H‐atom abstraction is more important than aromatic OH addition at higher temperatures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 821–827, 2012     

A shock tube study of the reaction NH2 + CH4 → NH3 + CH3 and comparison with transition state theory

The rate coefficient for NH₂ + CH₄ → NH₃ + CH₃ (R1) has been measured in a shock tube in the temperature range 1591–2084 K using FM spectroscopy to monitor NH₂ radicals. The measurements are combined with a calculation of the potential energy surface and canonical transition state theory with WKB tunneling to obtain an expression for k₁ = 1.47 × 10³ T ^3.01 e^?5001/T(K) cm³ mol^?1 s^?1 that describes available data in the temperature range 300 –2100 K. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 35: 304–309, 2003     

Hydroxyl radical reactions with halogenated ethanols in aqueous solution: Kinetics and thermochemistry

Laser flash photolysis combined with competition kinetics with SCN^? as the reference substance has been used to determine the rate constants of OH radicals with three fluorinated and three chlorinated ethanols in water as a function of temperature. The following Arrhenius expressions have been obtained for the reactions of OH radicals with (1) 2‐fluoroethanol, k₁(T) = (5.7 ± 0.8) × 10¹¹ exp((?2047 ± 1202)/T) M^?1 s^?1, (2) 2,2‐difluoroethanol, k₂(T) = (4.5 ± 0.5) × 10⁹ exp((?855 ± 796)/T) M^?1 s^?1, (3) 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol, k₃(T) = (2.0 ± 0.1) × 10¹¹ exp((?2400 ± 790)/T) M^?1 s^?1, (4) 2‐chloroethanol, k₄(T) = (3.0 ± 0.2) × 10¹⁰ exp((?1067 ± 440)/T) M^?1 s^?1, (5) 2, 2‐dichloroethanol, k₅(T) = (2.1 ± 0.2) × 10¹⁰ exp((?1179 ± 517)/T) M^?1 s^?1, and (6) 2,2,2‐trichloroethanol, k₆(T) = (1.6 ± 0.1) × 10¹⁰ exp((?1237 ± 550)/T) M^?1 s^?1. All experiments were carried out at temperatures between 288 and 328 K and at pH = 5.5–6.5. This set of compounds has been chosen for a detailed study because of their possible environmental impact as alternatives to chlorofluorocarbon and hydrogen‐containing chlorofluorocarbon compounds in the case of the fluorinated alcohols and due to the demonstrated toxicity when chlorinated alcohols are considered. The observed rate constants and derived activation energies of the reactions are correlated with the corresponding bond dissociation energy (BDE) and ionization potential (IP), where the BDEs and IPs of the chlorinated ethanols have been calculated using quantum mechanical calculations. The errors stated in this study are statistical errors for a confidence interval of 95%. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 174–188, 2008     

Kinetics of thermal gas‐phase decomposition of 2‐bromopropene using static system

The gas phase elimination kinetics of 2‐bromopropene was studied over the temperature range of 571–654 K and pressure range of 12–46 Torr using the seasoned static reaction system. Propyne was the only olefinic product formed and accounted for >98% of the reaction. This product was formed by homogeneous, unimolecular pathways with high‐pressure first‐order rate constant k_∞ given by the equation k_∞ = 10^{13.47 ± 0.6} exp^{?208.2 ± 6.7} (kJ mol^?1)/RT. The error limits are 95% certainty limits. The observed Arrhenius parameters are consistent with the four centered activated complex. The presence of methyl group on α‐carbon lowers the activation energy by 41 kJ mol^?1. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 39: 1–5, 2007