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.     

The absolute rate constant for the metathesis t-C4H9• + DI → C4H9D + I• and the heat of formation of the t-butyl radical

The Arrhenius parameters for the title reaction have been measured in a very-low-pressure pyrolysis apparatus in the temperature range 644–722 K and are given by log k₂ (M^?1 · sec^?1) = 9.68 - 2.12/θ, where θ = 2.303RT in kcal/mol. Together with the published Arrhenius parameters for the reverse reaction from iodination studies, they result in a standard heat of formation of the t-butyl radical of 8.4 kcal/mol, accepting S⁰(C₄H₉·) = 72.2 e.u. at 300 K from other kinetic data, and thus confirm the accepted value for ΔH_f⁰(t-C₄H₉·), at variance with recent investigations which yielded significantly higher values. This value for ΔH_f⁰(t-C₄H₉·) results in a bond-dissociation energy (BDE) for isobutane of 92.7 kcal/mol.     

The very low-pressure pyrolysis of phenyl methyl sulfide and benzyl methyl sulfide. The enthalpy of formation of the methylthio and phenylthio radicals

The kinetics and mechanisms of the unimolecular decompositions of phenyl methyl sulfide (PhSCH₃) and benzyl methyl sulfide (PhCH₂SCH₃) have been studied at very low pressures (VLPP). Both reactions essentially proceed by simple carbon-sulfur bond fission into the stabilized phenylthio (PhS·) and benzyl (PhCH₂·) radicals, respectively. The bond dissociation energies BDE(PhS-CH₃) = 67.5 ± 2.0 kcal/mol and BDE(PhCH₂-SCH₃) = 59.4 ± 2 kcal/mol, and the enthalpies of formation of the phenylthio and methylthio radicals ΔH° _,298K(PhS·, g) = 56.8 ± 2.0 kcal/mol and ΔH°_{f, 298K}(CH₃S·, g) = 34.2 ± 2.0 kcal/mol have been derived from the kinetic data, and the results are compared with earlier work on the same systems. The present values reveal that the stabilization energy of the phenylthio radical (9.6 kcal/mol) is considerably smaller than that observed for the related benzyl (13.2 kcal/mol) and phenoxy (17.5 kcal/mol) radicals.     

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.     

Bond dissociation energies and radical heats of formation in CH3Cl,CH2Cl2, CH3Br,CH2Br2, CH2FCl,and CHFCl2

An analysis of thermochemical and kinetic data on the bromination of the halomethanes CH_4–nX_n (X = F, Cl, Br; n = 1–3), the two chlorofluoromethanes, CH₂FCl and CHFCl₂, and CH₄, shows that the recently reported heats of formation of the radicals CH₂Cl, CHCl₂, CHBr₂, and CFCl₂, and the C? H bond dissociation energies in the matching halomethanes are not compatible with the activation energies for the corresponding reverse reactions. From the observed trends in CH₄ and the other halomethanes, the following revised ΔH°_f,298 (R) values have been derived: ΔH°_f(CH₂Cl) = 29.1 ± 1.0, ΔH°_f(CHCl₂) = 23.5 ± 1.2, ΔH_f(CH₂Br) = 40.4 ± 1.0, ΔH°_f(CHBr₂) = 45.0 ± 2.2, and ΔH°_f(CFCl₂) = ?21.3 ± 2.4 kcal mol^?1. The previously unavailable radical heat of formation, ΔH°_f(CHFCl) = ?14.5 ± 2.4 kcal mol^?1 has also been deduced. These values are used with the heats of formation of the parent compounds from the literature to evaluate C? H and C? X bond dissociation energies in CH₃Cl, CH₂Cl₂, CH₃Br, CH₂Br₂, CH₂FCl, and CHFCl₂.     

The Very low-pressure pyrolysis of 2-phenylethylamine. The enthalpy of formation of the aminomethyl radical

The thermal unimolecular decomposition of 2-phenylethylamine (PhCH₂CH₂NH₂) into benzyl and aminomethyl radicals has been studied under very-low-pressure conditions, and the enthalpy of formation of the aminomethyl radicals, ΔH°_{f, 298K} (H₂NCH₂·) = 37.0 ± 2.0 kcal/mol, has been derived from the kinetic data. This result leads to a value for the C—H bond dissociation energy in methylamine, BDE(H₂NCH₂—H) = 94.6 ± 2.0 kcal/mol, which is about 3.4 kcal/mol lower than in C₂H₆ (98 kcal/mol), indicating a sizable stabilization in α-aminoalkyl radicals.     

Rates and equilibria in the reaction system Br + i-C4H10 ⇌ HBr + t-C4H9. The heat of formation of the t-butyl radical

The very low pressure reactor (VLPR) technique has been used to measure the bimolecular rate constant of the title reaction at 300 K. The rate constant is given by log k₁ (1/mol s) = (11.6 ± 0.4) ? (5.9 ± 0.6)/θ the equilibrium constant has also been measured at the same temperature and is given by K₁ = (5.6 ± 1) × 10^?3 and hence log k_?1 (1/mol s) = 9.5 ± 0.1. The results show that the reaction Br + t? C₄H₉ → HBr + i? C₄H₈ is unimportant under the present experimental conditions. Assigning the entropy of t-butyl radical to be 74 ± 2 eu which is in the possible range, the value of K₁ gives ΔH (t-butyl) = 9.1 ± 0.6 kcal/mol^?1. This yields for the bond dissociation, DH° (t-butyl-H) = 93.4 ± 0.6 kcal/mol. Both of these values are found to be in good agreement with recent VLPP studies.     

Dynamics of a conformational change in aqueous 18-crown-6 by an ultrasonic absorption method

A temperature dependence study of the ultrasonic amplitudes, velocities, and relaxation times for a presumed conformational transition of noncomplexed aqueous 18-crown-6 (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane) is discussed. At all temperatures a single relaxation was observed within a 15–255-MHz frequency range. The equilibrium constant for the presumed conformational transition \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ {\rm CR}_1 \mathop \rightleftarrows\limits^{K_{12} } {\rm CR}_2 $\end{document} was determined to be K₂₁ = (2 ± 2) × 10^?2. The activation parameters are ΔH₂₁^≠ = 10.2 ± 1.0 kcal/mol, ΔS₂₁^≠ = 7.7 ± 0.2 cal/(mol·deg), ΔH₁₂^≠ = 7.4 ± 1.0 kcal/mol, and ΔS₁₂^≠ = 7.7 ± 0.2 cal/(mol·deg), while the thermodynamic enthalpy and entropy were found to be ?2.6 ± 1.0 kcal/mol and 0 ± 0.2 cal/(mol·deg), respectively. The rate constants at 25.0°C for the presumed conformational transition are k₂₁ = (1.0 ± 0.3) × 10⁷ sec^?1 and k₁₂ = (6.2 ± 0.2) × 10⁸ sec^?1.     

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.     

Synthesis and Diels-Alder Reactivity of 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylidenenorbornane

Pd-catalyzed double carbomethoxylation of the Diels-Alder adduct of cyclo-pentadiene and maleic anhydride yielded the methyl norbornane-2,3-endo-5, 6-exo-tetracarboxylate ( 4 ) which was transformed in three steps into 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-idenenorbornane ( 1 ). The cycloaddition of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) to 1 giving the corresponding monoadduct 7 was 364 times faster (toluene, 25°) than the addition of TCNE to 7 yielding the bis-adduct 9 . Similar reactivity trends were observed for the additions of TCNE to the less reactive 2,3,5,6-tetramethylidene-7-oxanorbornane ( 2 ). The following second order rate constants (toluene, 25°) and activation parameters were obtained for: 1 + TCNE → 7 : k₁ = (255 + 5) 10^?4 mol^?1 · s^?1, ΔH≠ = (12.2 ± 0.5) kcal/mol, ΔS≠ = (?24.8 ± 1.6) eu.; 7 + TCNE → 9 , k₂ = (0.7 ± 0.02) 10^?4 mol^?1 · s^?1, ΔH≠ = (14.1 ± 1.0) kcal/mol, ΔS≠ = ( ?30 ± 3.5) eu.; 2 + TCNE → 8 : k₁ = (1.5 ± 0.03) 10^?4 mol^?1 · s^?1, ΔH≠ = (14.8 ± 0.7) kcal/mol, ΔS≠ = (?26.4 ± 2.3) eu.; 8 + TCNE → 10 ; k₂ = (0.004 ± 0.0002) 10^?4 mol^?1 · s^?1, ΔH≠ = (17 ± 1.5) kcal/mol, ΔS≠ = (?30 ± 4) eu. The possible origins of the relatively large rate ratios k₁/k₂ are discussed briefly.     

Preparation and Diels-Alder Reactivity of 2,3,5,6,7,8-Hexamethylidenebicyclo [2.2.2]octane (‘[2.2.2]Hericene’). Force-field calculations of exocyclic dienes as a moiety of bicyclic skeletons

The [2.2.2]hericene ( 6 ), a bicyclo[2.2.2]octane bearing three exocyclic s-cis-butadiene units has been prepared in eight steps from coumalic acid and maleic anhydride. The hexaene 6 adds successively three mol-equiv. of strong dienophiles such as ethylenetetracarbonitrile (TCE) and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) giving the corresponding monoadducts 17 and 20 (k₁), bis-adducts 18 and 21 (k₂) and tris-adducts 19 and 22 (k₃), respectively. The rate constant ratio k₁/k₂ is small as in the case of the cycloadditions of 2,3,5,6-tetramethylidene-bicyclo [2.2.2]octane ( 3 ) giving the corresponding monoadducts 23 and 27 (k₁) and bis-adducts 25 and 29 (k₂) with TCE and DMAD, respectively. Constrastingly, the rate constant ratio k₂/k₃ is relatively large as the rate constant ratio k₁/k₂ of the Diels-Alder additions for 5,6,7,8-tetramethylidenebicyclo [2.2.2]oct-2-ene ( 4 ) giving the corresponding monoadducts 24 and 28 (k₁) and bis-adducts 26 and 30 (k₂). The following second-order rate constants (toluene, 25°) and activation parameters were obtained for the TCE additions: 3 +TCE→ 23 : k₁ = 0.591±0.012 mol^?1·l·s^?1, ΔH^≠=10.6±0.4 kcal/mol, and ΔS^≠ = ?24.0±1.4 cal/mol·K (e.u.); 23 +TCE→ 25 : k₂=0.034±0.0010 mol^?1·l·s^?1, ΔH^≠ = 10.6±0.6 kcal/mol, and ΔS^≠ = ?29.7±2.0 e.u.; 4 +TCE→ 26 : k₁ = 0.172±0.035 mol^?1·l·s^?1, ΔH^≠ 11.3±0.8 kcal/mol, and ΔS^≠ = ?24.0±2.8 e.u.; 24 +TCE→ 26 : k₂ = (6.1±0.2)·10^?4 mol^?1·l·s^?1, ΔH^≠ = 13.0±0.3 kcal/mol, and ΔS^≠ = ?29.5±0.8 e.u.; 6 +TCE→ 17 : k₁ = 0.136±0.002 mol^?1·l·s^?1, ΔH^≠ = 11.3±0.2 kcal/mol, and ΔS^≠ = ?24.5±0.8 e.u.; 17 +TCE→ 18 : k₂ = 0.0156±0.0003 mol^?1·l·s^?1, ΔH^≠ = 10.9±0.5 kcal/mol, and ΔS^≠ = ?30.1 ± 1.5 e.u.; 18 +TCE→ 19 : k₃=(5±0.2) · 10^?5 mol^?1 mol^?1 ·l·s^?1, ΔH^≠ = 15±3 kcal/mol, and ΔS^≠ = ?28 ± 8 e.u. The following rate constants were evaluated for the DMAD additions (CD₂Cl₂, 30°): 6 +DMAD→ 20 : k₁ = (10±1)·10^?4 mol^?1 · l·s^?1; 20 +DMAD→ 21 : k₂ = (6.5±0.1) · 10^?4 mol^?1 ·l·^?1; 21 +DMAD→ 22 : k₃ = (1.0±0.1) · 10^?4 mol^?1 ·l·s^?1. The reactions giving the barrelene derivatives 19, 22, 26 and 30 are slower than those leading to adducts that are not barrelenes. The former are estimated less exothermic than the latter. It is proposed that the Diels-Alder reactivity of exocyclic s-cis-butadienes grafted onto bicycle [2.2.1]heptanes and bicyclo [2.2.2]octanes that are modified by remote substitution of the bicyclic skeletons can be affected by changes inthe exothermicity of the cycloadditions, in agreement with the Dimroth and Bell-Evans-Polanyi principle. Force-field calculations (MMPI 1) of 3, 4, 6 and related exocyclic s-cis-butadienes as a moiety of bicyclo [2.2.2]octane suggested single minimum energy hypersurfaces for these systems (eclipsed conformations, planar dienes). Their flexibility decreases with the degree of unsaturation of the bicyclic skeleton. The effect of an endocyclic double bond is larger than that of an exocyclic diene moiety.     

Calculation of Some Thermodynamic Properties and Detonation Parameters of 1‐Ethyl‐3‐Methyl‐H‐Imidazolium Perchlorate, [Emim][ClO4], on the Basis of CBS‐4M and CHEETAH Computations Supplemented by VBT Estimates

This paper estimates some thermochemical (in kcal mol^–1) and detonation parameters for the ionic liquid, [emim][ClO₄] and its associated solid in view of its investigation as an energetic material. The thermochemical values estimated, employing CBS‐4M computational methodology and volume‐based thermodynamics (VBT) include: lattice energy, U_POT([emim][ClO₄]) ≈? 123 ± 16 kcal · mol^–1; enthalpy of formation of the gaseous cation, Δ_fH°([emim]⁺, g) = 144.2 kcal · mol^–1 and anion, Δ_fH°([ClO₄]^–, g) = –66.1 kcal · mol^–1; the enthalpy of formation of the solid salt, Δ_fH°([emim][ClO₄],s) ≈? –55 ± 16 kcal · mol^–1 and for the associated ionic liquid, Δ_fH^o([emim][ClO₄],l) = –52 ± 16 kcal · mol^–1 as well as the corresponding Gibbs energy terms: Δ_fG°([emim][ClO₄],s) ≈? +29 ± 16 kcal · mol^–1 and Δ_fG^o([emim][ClO₄],l) = +24 ± 16 kcal · mol^–1 and the associated standard absolute entropies, of the solid [emim][ClO₄], S°₂₉₈([emim][ClO₄],s) = 83 ± 4 cal · K^–1 · mol^–1. The following combustion and detonation parameters are assigned to [emim][ClO₄] in its (ionic) liquid form: specific impulse (I_sp) = 228 s (monopropellant), detonation velocity (V_oD) = 5466 m · s^–1, detonation pressure (p_C–J) = 99 kbar, explosion temperature (T_ex) = 2842 K.     

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.     

Kinetic study of the reactions Br + IBr→I + Br2 and I + Br2→Br + IBr

The kinetics of the title reactions have been studied using the discharge-flow mass spectrometic method at 296 K and 1 torr of helium. The rate constant obtained for the forward reaction Br+IBr→I+Br₂ (1), using three different experimental approaches (kinetics of Br consumption in excess of IBr, IBr consumption in excess of Br, and I formation), is: k₁=(2.7±0.4)×10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹s⁻¹. The rate constant of the reverse reaction: I+Br₂→Br+IBr (−1) has been obtained from the Br₂ consumption rate (with an excess of I atoms) and the IBr formation rate: k₋₁=(1.65±0.2)×10⁻¹³ cm³molecule⁻¹s⁻¹. The equilibrium constant for the reactions (1,−1), resulting from these direct determinations of k₁ and k₋₁ and, also, from the measurements of the equilibrium concentrations of Br, IBr, I, and Br₂, is: K₁=k₁/k₋₁=161.2±19.7. These data have been used to determine the enthalpy of reaction (1), ΔH₂₉₈°=−(3.6±0.1) kcal mol⁻¹ and the heat of formation of the IBr molecule, ΔH_f,298°(IBr)=(9.8±0.1) kcal mol⁻¹. © 1998 John Wiley & sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 30: 933–940, 1998     

Kinetics of iodination of hydrogen sulfide by iodine and the heat of formation of the SH radical

The kinetics of the gas-phase thermal iodination of hydrogen sulfide by I₂ to yield HSI and HI has been investigated in the temperature range 555–595 K. The reaction was found to proceed through an I atom and radical chain mechanism. Analysis of the kinetic data yields log k (l/mol·sec) = (11.1 ± 0.18) – (20.5 ± 0.44)/θ, where θ = 2.303 RT, in kcal/mol. Combining this result with the assumption E_?1 = 1 ± 1 kcal/mol and known values for the heat of formation of H₂S, I₂, and HI, ΔH_f,298⁰(SH) = 33.6 ± 1.1 kcal/mol is obtained. Then one can calculate the dissociation energy of the HS? H bond as 90.5 ± 1.1 kcal/mol with the well-known values for ΔH_f,298⁰ of H and H₂S.     

Very-low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP) of group IV (A) tetramethyls: Neopentane and tetramethyltin

The decomposition of neopentane was studied using the very-low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP) technique at temperatures from 1000 to 1260 K. The derived Arrhenius parameters are consistent with δH_f⁰(t-butyl) = 8.4 kcal/mol. Using the above A factor, data on the decomposition of tetramethyltin yield DH⁰(Sn(CH₃)₃ - CH₃) = 69 ± 2 kcal/mol.     

Kinetic study of the reactions of CL and BR with H2O2

The reactions of Cl and Br atoms with H₂O₂ have been studied in the range of 300–350 K using the very-low-pressure-reactor technique. It was found that metathesis to produce HX and HO₂ is the only significant process (≤99%). For the reaction of Br k₂ (300 K) = 1.3 ± 0.45 × 10^?14 and k₂ (350 K) = 3.75 ± 1.1 × 10^?14 cm³/molecules·s, with an activation energy of 4.6 ± 0.7 kcal/mol. Using an estimated A factor for A₂, we find suggesting that a best choice is E₂ = 3.9 ± 0.4 kcal/mol. The relation of these values to ΔH (HO₂) is discussed.     

ab initio calculations and thermochemical analysis on C1 atom abstractions of chlorine from chlorocarbons and the reverse alkyl abstractions: Cl2 + R· ↔ Cl· + RCl

Thermodynamic properties (ΔH°_f(298), S°₍₂₉₈₎ and Cp(T) from 300 to 1500 K) for reactants, adducts, transition states, and products in reactions of CH₃ and C₂H₅ with Cl₂ are calculated using CBSQ//MP2/6‐311G(d,p). Molecular structures and vibration frequencies are determined at the MP2/6‐311G(d,p), with single‐point calculations for energy at QCISD(T)/6‐311 + G(d,p), MP4(SDQ)/CbsB4, and MP2/CBSB3 levels of calculation with scaled vibration frequencies. Contributions of rotational frequencies for S°₍₂₉₈₎ and Cp(T)'s are calculated based on rotational barrier heights and moments of inertia using the method of Pitzer and Gwinn [1]. Thermodynamic parameters, ΔH°_f(298), S°₍₂₉₈₎, and C_P(T), are evaluated for C₁ and C₂ chlorocarbon molecules and radicals. These thermodynamic properties are used in evaluation and comparison of Cl₂ + R· → Cl· + RCl (defined forward direction) reaction rate constants from the kinetics literature for comparison with the calculations. Data from some 20 reactions in the literature show linearity on a plot of Ea_fwd vs. ΔH_rxn,fwd, yielding a slope of (0.38 ± 0.04) and intercept of (10.12 ± 0.81) kcal/mole. A correlation of average Arrhenius preexponential factor for Cl· + RCl → Cl₂ + R· (reverse rxn) of (4.44 ± 1.58) × 10¹³ cm³/mol‐sec on a per‐chlorine basis is obtained with Ea_Rev = (0.64 ± 0.04) × ΔH_rxn,Rev + (9.72 ± 0.83) kcal/mole, where Ea_Rev is 0.0 if ΔH_rxn,Rev is more than 15.2 kcal/mole exothermic. Kinetic evaluations of literature data are also performed for classes of reactions. Ea_fwd = (0.39 ± 0.11) × ΔH_rxn,fwd + (10.49 ± 2.21) kcal/mole and average A_fwd = (5.89 ± 2.48) × 10¹² cm³/mole‐sec for hydrocarbons: Ea_fwd = (0.40 ± 0.07) × ΔH_rxn,fwd + (10.32 ± 1.31) kcal/mole and average A_fwd = (6.89 ± 2.15) × 10¹¹ cm³/mole‐sec for C₁ chlorocarbons: Ea_fwd = (0.33 ± 0.08) × ΔH_rxn,fwd + (9.46 ± 1.35) kcal/mole and average A_fwd = (4.64 ± 2.10) × 10¹¹ cm³/mole‐sec for C₂ chlorocarbons. Calculation results on the methyl and ethyl reactions with Cl₂ show agreement with the experimental data after an adjustment of +2.3 kcal/mole is made in the calculated negative Ea's. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 32: 548–565, 2000     

Definitive heat of formation of methylenimine,CH2NH,and of methylenimmonium ion,CH2NH2+, by means of W2 theory

A long‐standing controversy concerning the heat of formation of methylenimine has been addressed by means of the W2 (Weizmann‐2) thermochemical approach. Our best calculated values, ΔH°_f,298(CH₂NH) = 21.1±0.5 kcal/mol and ΔH°_f,298(CH₂NH₂⁺) = 179.4±0.5 kcal/mol, are in good agreement with the most recent measurements but carry a much smaller uncertainty. As a byproduct, we obtain the first‐ever accurate anharmonic force field for methylenimine: upon consideration of the appropriate resonances, the experimental gas‐phase band origins are all reproduced to better than 10 cm^?1. Consideration of the difference between a fully anharmonic zero‐point vibrational energy and B3LYP/cc‐pVTZ harmonic frequencies scaled by 0.985 suggests that the calculation of anharmonic zero‐point vibrational energies can generally be dispensed with, even in benchmark work, for rigid molecules. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1297–1305, 2001     

Very low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP) of but-1-yne the heat of formation and stabilization energy of the propargyl radical

The unimolecular decomposition of but-1-yne has been investigated over the temperature range of 1052° – 1152°K using the technique of very low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP). The primary process is C? C bond fission yielding methyl and propargyl radicals. Application of RRKM theory shows that the experimental rate constants are consistent with the highpressure Arrhenius parameters given by where θ = 2.303 RT kcal/mol. The parameters are in good agreement with estimates based on shock-tube studies. The activation energy, combined with thermochemical data, leads to DH°[HCCCH₂? CH₃] = 76.0, ΔH(HCC?CH_2,g) = 81.4, and DH° [HCCCH₂? H] = 89.2, all in kcal/mol at 300°K. The stabilization energy of the propargyl radical SE° (HCC?CH₂) has been found to be 8.8 kcal/mol. Recent result for the shock-tube pyrolysis of some alkynes have been analyzed and shown to yield values for the heat of formation and stabilization energy of the propargyl radical in excellent agreement with the present work. From a consideration of all results it is recommended that ΔH(HCC?CH_2,g) = 81.5±1.0, DH[HCCCH₂? H] = 89.3 ± 1.0, and SE° (HCC?CH₂) = 8.7±1.0 kcal/mol.