Unimolecular reactions of vibrationally excited CF2ClCHFCH3 and CF2ClCHFCD3: evidence for the 1,2-FCl interchange pathway

Chemically activated CF2ClCHFCH3 and CF2ClCHFCD3 molecules were prepared with 94 kcal mol-1 of vibrational energy by the recombination of CF2ClCHF and CH3(CD3) radicals at room temperature. The unimolecular reaction pathways were 2,3-FH(FD) elimination, 1,2-ClF interchange and 1,2-ClH elimination; the interchange produces CF3CHClCH3(CF3CHClCD3) with 105 kcal mol-1 of vibrational energy. Rate constants for CF2ClCHFCH3 [CF2ClCHFCD3] were (3.1+/-0.4)x10(6) s-1 [(1.0+/-0.1)x10(6) s-1] for 2,3-FH [FD] loss, (1.5+/-0.2)x10(6) s-1 [(8.3+/-0.9)x10(5) s-1] for 1,2-ClF interchange, and (8.2+/-1.0)x10(5) s-1 [(5.3+/-0.6)x10(5) s-1] for 1,2-ClH [DCl] loss. These correspond to branching fractions of 0.55+/-0.06 [0.43+/-0.04] for 2,3-FH [FD] loss, 0.29+/-0.03 [0.35+/-0.04] for 1,2-ClF interchange, and 0.16+/-0.02 [0.22+/-0.02] for 1,2-ClH [ClD] loss. Kinetic-isotope effects were 3.0+/-0.6 for 2,3-FH [FD] loss, 1.6+/-0.3 for 1,2-ClH loss, and 1.8+/-0.4 for 1,2-ClF interchange. The CF3CHClCH3 (CF3CHClCD3) molecules formed by 1,2-FCl interchange react by loss of HCl [DCl] with rate constants of (5.6+/-0.9)x10(7) s-1 [(2.1+/-0.4)x10(7)] s-1 for an isotope effect of 2.7+/-0.4. Density functional theory was employed to calculate vibrational frequencies and moments of inertia for the molecules and for the transition-state structures. These results were used with RRKM theory to assign threshold energies from comparison of computed and experimental unimolecular rate constants. The threshold energy for ClF interchange is 57.5 kcal mol-1, and those for HF and HCl channels are 2-5 kcal mol-1 higher. Experiments with vibrationally excited CF2ClCF2CF3, CF2ClCF2CF2Cl, and CF2ClCF2Cl, which did not show evidence for ClF interchange, also are reported.     

Unimolecular reactions of chemically activated CF2BrCF2CH3 and CF2BrCF2CD3: evidence for 1,2-FBr interchange

Vibrationally excited CF2BrCF2CH3 and CF2BrCF2CD3 molecules were prepared with 96 kcal mol-1 energy at room temperature by the recombination of CF2BrCF2 and CH3 (CD3) radicals. The observed unimolecular reactions are 1,2-BrF interchange to give CF3CFBrCH3 (CD3) molecules and 2,3-FH (FD) elimination; the rate constants are 2.2 x 10(5) (1.5 x 10(5)) s(-1) and 2.0 x 105 (0.75 x 10(5)) s(-1), respectively. The CF3CFBrCH3 (CD3) molecules rapidly, relative to the reverse reaction, eliminate HBr or DBr to give the observed product CF3CF=CH2 (CD2). Density functional theory at the B3PW91/6-311+G(2d,p) level was used to obtain vibrational frequencies and moments of inertia of the molecule and transition states for subsequent calculations of statistical rate constants for CF2BrCF2CH3 and CF2BrCF2CD3. Matching experimental and calculated rate constants gave threshold energies of 62 and 66 kcal mol-1 for 1,2-BrF interchange and 2,3-FH elimination, respectively. The BrF interchange reaction is compared to ClF interchange from CF2ClCF2CH3 and CF2ClCHFCH3.     

Unimolecular elimination of HF and HCl from chemically activated CF3CFClCH2Cl

The unimolecular reactions of CF3CFClCH2Cl molecules formed with 87 kcal mol(-1) of vibrational energy by recombination of CF3CFCl and CH2Cl radicals at room temperature have been characterized by the chemical activation technique. The 2,3-ClH and 2,3-FH elimination reactions, which have rate constants of (2.5 +/- 0.8) x 10(4) and (0.38 +/- 0.11) x 10(4) s(-1), respectively, are the major reactions. The 2,3-FCl interchange reaction was not observed. The trans (or E)-isomers of CF3CFCHCl and CF3CClCHCl are favored over the cis (or Z)-isomers. Density functional theory at the B3PW91/6-31G(d',p') level was used to evaluate thermochemistry and structures of the molecule and transition states. This information was used to calculate statistical rate constants. Matching the calculated to the experimental rate constants for the trans-isomers gave threshold energies of 62 and 63 kcal mol(-1) for HCl and HF elimination, respectively. The threshold energy for FCl interchange must be 3-4 kcal mol(-1) higher than for HF elimination. The results for CF3CFClCH2Cl are compared to those from CF3CFClCH3; the remarkable reduction in rate constants for HCl and HF elimination upon substitution of one Cl atom for one H atom is a consequence of both a lower E and higher threshold energies for CF3CFClCH2Cl.     

Unimolecular reactions of CF2ClCFClCH2F and CF2ClCF2CH2Cl: observation of ClF interchange

The unimolecular reactions of CF(2)ClCFClCH(2)F and CF(2)ClCF(2)CH(2)Cl molecules formed with 87 and 91 kcal mol(-1), respectively, of vibrational energy from the recombination of CF(2)ClCFCl with CH(2)F and CF(2)ClCF(2) with CH(2)Cl at room temperature have been studied by the chemical activation technique. The 2,3- and 1,2-ClF interchange reactions compete with 2,3-ClH and 2,3-FH elimination reactions. The total unimolecular rate constant for CF(2)ClCF(2)CH(2)Cl is 0.54 +/- 0.15 x 10(4) s(-1) with branching fractions for 1,2-ClF interchange of 0.03 and 0.97 for 2,3-FH elimination. The total rate constant for CF(2)ClCFClCH(2)F is 1.35 +/- 0.39 x 10(4) s(-1) with branching fractions of 0.20 for 2,3-ClF interchange, 0.71 for 2,3-ClH elimination and 0.09 for 2,3-FH elimination; the products from 1,2-ClF interchange could be observed, but the rate constant was too small to be measured. The D(CH(2)F-CFClCF(2)Cl) and D(CH(2)Cl-CF(2)CF(2)Cl) were evaluated by calculations for some isodesmic reactions and isomerization energies of CF(3)CFClCH(2)Cl as 84 and 88 kcal mol(-1), respectively; these values give the average energies of formed molecules at 298 K as noted above. Density functional theory was used to assign vibrational frequencies and moments of inertia for the molecules and their transition states. These results were combined with statistical unimolecular reaction theory to assign threshold energies from the experimental rate constants for ClF interchange, ClH elimination and FH elimination. These assignments are compared with results from previous chemical activation experiments with CF(3)CFClCH(2)Cl, CF(3)CF(2)CH(3,) CF(3)CFClCH(3) and CF(2)ClCF(2)CH(3).     

Unimolecular reactions including ClF interchange of vibrationally excited CF2ClCHFCH2CH3 and CF2ClCHFCD2CD3

Vibrationally excited CF(2)ClCHFC(2)H(5)(CF(2)ClCHFC(2)D(5)) molecules were prepared in the gas phase at 300 K with approximately 93 kcal mol(-1) of energy by recombination of CF(2)ClCHF and C(2)H(5) or C(2)D(5) radicals. Three unimolecular reactions were observed. 1,2-ClF interchange converts CF(2)ClCHFC(2)H(5)(CF(2)ClCHFC(2)D(5)) into CF(3)CHClC(2)H(5)(CF(3)CHClC(2)D(5)), and subsequent 2,3-ClH (ClD) elimination gives CF(3)CH=CHCH(3) (CF(3)CH=CDCD(3)). 2,3-FH(FD) elimination gives cis- and trans-CF(2)ClCH=CHCH(3) (CF(2)ClCH=CDCD(3)), and 1,2-ClH elimination gives CF(2)=CFCH(2)CH(3) (CF(2)=CFCD(2)CD(3)). The experimental rate constants for CF(2)ClCHFC(2)H(5) (CF(2)ClCHFC(2)D(5)) were 1.3 x 10(4) (0.63 x 10(4)) s(-1) for 1,2-FCl interchange and 2.1 x 10(4) (0.61 x 10(4)) s(-1) with a trans/cis ratio of 3.7 for 2,3-FH(FD) elimination. The 1,2-ClH process was the least important with a branching fraction of only 0.08 +/- 0.04. The rate constants for 2,3-ClH (ClD) elimination from CF(3)CHClC(2)H(5) (CF(3)CHClC(2)D(5)) were 1.8 x 10(6) (0.49 x 10(6)) s(-1) with a trans/cis ratio of 2.4. Density functional theory was used to compute vibrational frequencies and structures needed to obtain rate constants from RRKM theory. Matching theoretical and experimental rate constants provides estimates of the threshold energies, E0, for the three reaction pathways; 1,2-FCl interchange has the lowest E0. The unimolecular reactions of CF(2)ClCHFC(2)H(5) are compared to those of CF(2)ClCHFCH(3). Both of these systems are compared to CH(3)CHFC(2)H(5) to illustrate the influence of a CF(2)Cl group on the E0 for FH elimination.     

Unimolecular rate constants for HX or DX elimination (X = F, Cl) from chemically activated CF3CH2CH2Cl, C2H5CH2Cl, and C2D5CH2Cl: threshold energies for HF and HCl elimination

Vibrationally activated CF(3)CH(2)CH(2)Cl molecules were prepared with 94 kcal mol(-1) of vibrational energy by the combination of CF(3)CH(2) and CH(2)Cl radicals and with 101 kcal mol(-1) of energy by the combination of CF(3) and CH(2)CH(2)Cl radicals at room temperature. The unimolecular rate constants for elimination of HCl from CF(3)CH(2)CH(2)Cl were 1.2 x 10(7) and 0.24 x 10(7) s(-1) with 101 and 94 kcal mol(-1), respectively. The product branching ratio, k(HCl)/k(HF), was 80 +/- 25. Activated CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)Cl and CD(3)CD(2)CH(2)Cl molecules with 90 kcal mol(-1) of energy were prepared by recombination of C(2)H(5) (or C(2)D(5)) radicals with CH(2)Cl radicals. The unimolecular rate constant for HCl elimination was 8.7 x 10(7) s(-1), and the kinetic isotope effect was 4.0. Unified transition-state models obtained from density-functional theory calculations, with treatment of torsions as hindered internal rotors for the molecules and the transition states, were employed in the calculation of the RRKM rate constants for CF(3)CH(2)CH(2)Cl and CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)Cl. Fitting the calculated rate constants from RRKM theory to the experimental values provided threshold energies, E(0), of 58 and 71 kcal mol(-1) for the elimination of HCl or HF, respectively, from CF(3)CH(2)CH(2)Cl and 54 kcal mol(-1) for HCl elimination from CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)Cl. Using the hindered-rotor model, threshold energies for HF elimination also were reassigned from previously published chemical activation data for CF(3)CH(2)CH(3,) CF(3)CH(2)CF(3), CH(3)CH(2)CH(2)F, CH(3)CHFCH(3), and CH(3)CF(2)CH(3). In an appendix, the method used to assign threshold energies was tested and verified using the combined thermal and chemical activation data for C(2)H(5)Cl, C(2)H(5)F, and CH(3)CF(3).     

Unimolecular reactions in the CF3CH2Cl ↔ CF2ClCH2F system: isomerization by interchange of Cl and F atoms

The recombination of CF(2)Cl and CH(2)F radicals was used to prepare CF(2)ClCH(2)F* molecules with 93 ± 2 kcal mol(-1) of vibrational energy in a room temperature bath gas. The observed unimolecular reactions in order of relative importance were: (1) 1,2-ClH elimination to give CF(2)═CHF, (2) isomerization to CF(3)CH(2)Cl by the interchange of F and Cl atoms and (3) 1,2-FH elimination to give E- and Z-CFCl═CHF. Since the isomerization reaction is 12 kcal mol(-1) exothermic, the CF(3)CH(2)Cl* molecules have 105 kcal mol(-1) of internal energy and they can eliminate HF to give CF(2)═CHCl, decompose by rupture of the C-Cl bond, or isomerize back to CF(2)ClCH(2)F. These data, which provide experimental rate constants, are combined with previously published results for chemically activated CF(3)CH(2)Cl* formed by the recombination of CF(3) and CH(2)Cl radicals to provide a comprehensive view of the CF(3)CH(2)Cl* ? CF(2)ClCH(2)F* unimolecular reaction system. The experimental rate constants are matched to calculated statistical rate constants to assign threshold energies for the observed reactions. The models for the molecules and transition states needed for the rate constant calculations were obtained from electronic structures calculated from density functional theory. The previously proposed explanation for the formation of CF(2)═CHF in thermal and infrared multiphoton excitation studies of CF(3)CH(2)Cl, which was 2,2-HCl elimination from CF(3)CH(2)Cl followed by migration of the F atom in CF(3)CH, should be replaced by the Cl/F interchange reaction followed by a conventional 1,2-ClH elimination from CF(2)ClCH(2)F. The unimolecular reactions are augmented by free-radical chemistry initiated by reactions of Cl and F atoms in the thermal decomposition of CF(3)CH(2)Cl and CF(2)ClCH(2)F.     

Thermal decomposition of the perfluorinated peroxides CF3OC(O)OOC(O)F and CF3OC(O)OOCF3

Gas phase thermal decomposition of CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)F and CF(3)OC(O)OOCF(3) was studied at temperatures between 64 and 98 degrees C (CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)F) and 130-165 degrees C (CF(3)OC(O)OOCF(3)) using FTIR spectroscopy to follow the course of the reaction. For both substances, the decompositions were studied with N(2) and CO as bath gases. The rate constants for the decomposition of CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)F in nitrogen and carbon monoxide fit the Arrhenius equations k(N)2 = (3.1 +/- 0.1) x 10(15) exp[-(29.0 +/- 0.5 kcal mol(-1)/RT)] and k(CO) = (5.8 +/- 1.3) x 10(15) exp[-(29.4 +/- 0.5 kcal mol(-1)/RT)], and that for CF(3)OC(O)OOCF(3) fits the equation k = (9.0 +/- 0.9) x 10(13) exp[-(34.0 +/- 0.7 kcal mol(-1)/RT)] (all in units of inverted seconds). Rupture of the O-O bond was shown to be the rate-determining step for both peroxides, and bond energies of 29 +/- 1 and 34.0 +/- 0.7 kcal mol(-1) were obtained for CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)F and CF(3)OC(O)OOCF(3). The heat of formation of the CF(3)OCO(2)(*) radical, which is a common product formed in both decompositions, was calculated by ab initio methods as -229 +/- 4 kcal mol(-1). With this value, the heat of formation of the title species and of CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)OCF(3) could in turn be obtained as Delta(f) degrees (CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)F) = -286 +/- 6 kcal mol(-1), Delta(f) degrees (CF(3)OC(O)OOCF(3)) = -341 +/- 6 kcal mol(-1), and Delta(f) degrees (CF(3)OC(O)OOC(O)OCF(3)) = -430 +/- 6 kcal mol(-1).     

Reflected shock tube and theoretical studies of high-temperature rate constants for OH+CF3H<-->CF3+H2O and CF3+OH-->products

The reflected shock tube technique with multipass absorption spectrometric detection of OH radicals at 308 nm, using either 36 or 60 optical passes corresponding to total path lengths of 3.25 or 5.25 m, respectively, has been used to study the bimolecular reactions, OH+CF3H-->CF3+H2O (1) and CF3+H2O-->OH+CF3H (-1), between 995 and 1663 K. During the course of the study, estimates of rate constants for CF3+OH-->products (2) could also be determined. Experiments on reaction -1 were transformed through equilibrium constants to k1, giving the Arrhenius expression k1=(9.7+/-2.1)x10(-12) exp(-4398+/-275K/T) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1). Over the temperature range, 1318-1663 K, the results for reaction 2 were constant at k2=(1.5+/-0.4)x10(-11) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1). Reactions 1 and -1 were also studied with variational transition state theory (VTST) employing QCISD(T) properties for the transition state. These a priori VTST predictions were in good agreement with the present experimental results but were too low at the lower temperatures of earlier experiments, suggesting that either the barrier height was overestimated by about 1.3 kcal/mol or that the effect of tunneling was greatly underestimated. The present experimental results have been combined with the most accurate earlier studies to derive an evaluation over the extended temperature range of 252-1663 K. The three parameter expression k1=2.08x10(-17) T1.5513 exp(-1848 K/T) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1) describes the rate behavior over this temperature range. Alternatively, the expression k1,th=1.78x10(-23) T3.406 exp(-837 K/T) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1) obtained from empirically adjusted VTST calculations over the 250-2250 K range agrees with the experimental evaluation to within a factor of 1.6. Reaction 2 was also studied with direct CASPT2 variable reaction coordinate transition state theory. The resulting predictions for the capture rate are found to be in good agreement with the mean of the experimental results and can be represented by the expression k2,th=2.42x10(-11) T-0.0650 exp(134 K/T) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1) over the 200-2500 K temperature range. The products of this reaction are predicted to be CF2O+HF.     

Rate constants and kinetic isotope effects for unimolecular 1,2-HX or DX (X = F or Cl) elimination from chemically activated CF3CFClCH3-d0, -d1, -d2, and -d3

Chemically activated CF(3)CFClCH(3), CF(3)CFClCD(3), CF(3)CFClCH(2)D, and CF(3)CFClCHD(2) molecules with 94 kcal mol(-1) of internal energy were formed by the combination of CF(3)CFCl radicals with CH(3), CD(3), CH(2)D, and CHD(2) radicals, which were generated from UV photolysis of CF(3)CFClI and CH(3)I, CD(3)I, CH(2)DI, or CHD(2)I. The total (HF + HCl) elimination rate constants for CF(3)CFClCH(3) and CF(3)CFClCD(3) were 5.3 x 10(6) and 1.7 x 10(6) s(-1) with product branching ratios of 8.7 +/- 0.6 in favor of HCl (or DCl). The intermolecular kinetic isotope effects were 3.22 and 3.18 for the HCl and HF channels, respectively. The product branching ratios were 10.3 +/- 1.9 and 11.8 +/- 1.8 (10.8 +/- 3.8 and 11.6 +/- 1.7) for HCl/HF and DCl/DF, respectively, from CF(3)CFClCH(2)D (CF(3)CFClCHD(2)). The intramolecular kinetic-isotope effects (without correction for reaction path degeneracy) for HCl/DCl and HF/DF elimination from CF(3)CFClCH(2)D (CF(3)CFClCHD(2)) were 2.78 +/- 0.16 and 2.98 +/- 0.12 (0.82 +/- 0.04 and 0.91 +/- 0.03), respectively. Density function theory at the B3PW91/6-311+G(2d,p) and B3PW91/6-31G(d',p') levels was investigated, and the latter was chosen to calculate frequencies and moments of inertia for the molecules and transition states. Rate constants, branching ratios and kinetic-isotope effects then were calculated using RRKM theory with torsional motions treated as hindered internal rotations. Threshold energies for HF and HCl elimination from CF(3)CFClCH(3) were assigned as 61.3 +/- 1.5 and 58.5 +/- 1.5 kcal mol(-1), respectively. The threshold energy for Cl-F interchange was estimated as 67 kcal mol(-1). The difference between the transition states for HCl and HF elimination is discussed.     

Ab initio and experimental studies on the hetero-Diels-Alder and cheletropic additions of sulfur dioxide to (E)-1-methoxybutadiene: a mechanism involving three molecules of SO(2)

Kinetics on the cheletropic addition of sulfur dioxide to (E)-1-methoxybutadiene (1) to give the corresponding sulfolene 2 (2-methoxy-2,5-dihydrothiophene-1,1-dioxide) gave the rate law d[2]/dt = k[1][SO(2)](x)() with x = 2.6 +/- 0.2 at 198 K. Under these conditions, no sultine 3 [(2RS,6RS)-6-methoxy-3,6-dihydro-1,2-oxathiin-2-oxide] resulting from a hetero-Diels-Alder addition was observed, and the cheletropic elimination 2 --> 1 + SO(2) did not occur. Ab initio and DFT quantum calculations confirmed that the cheletropic addition 1 + SO(2) --> 2 follows two parallel mechanisms, one involving two molecules of SO(2) and the transition structure with DeltaG(++) = 18.2 +/- 0.2 kcal/mol at 198 K (exptl); 22.5-22.7 kcal/mol [B3LYP/6-31G(d,p)], the other one involving three molecules of SO(2) with DeltaG(++) = 18.9 +/- 0.1 kcal/mol at 198 K (exptl); 19.7 kcal/mol [B3LYP/6-31G(d,p)]. The mechanism involving only one molecule of SO(2) in the transition structure requires a higher activation energy, DeltaG(++) = 25.2 kcal/mol [B3LYP/6-31G(d,p)]. Comparison of the geometries and energetics of the structures involved into the 1 + SO(2) --> 2, 3 and 1 + 2SO(2) --> 2, 3 + SO(2) reactions obtained by ab initio and DFT methods suggest that the latter calculation techniques can be used to study the cycloadditions of sulfur dioxide. The calculations predict that the hetero-Diels-Alder addition 1 + SO(2) --> 3 also prefers a mechanism in which three molecules of SO(2) are involved in the cycloaddition transition structure. At 198 K and in SO(2) solutions, the entropy cost (TDeltaS(++)) is overcompensated by the specific solvation by SO(2) in the transition structures of both the cheletropic and hetero-Diels-Alder reactions of (E)-1-methoxybutadiene with SO(2).     

Rate coefficients for the reactions of OH with CF3CH2CH3 (HFC-263fb), CF3CHFCH2F (HFC-245eb), and CHF2CHFCHF2 (HFC-245ea) between 238 and 375 K

Rate coefficients for reaction of the hydroxyl radical (OH) with three hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) CF3CH2CH3, HFC-263fb, (k1); CF3CHFCH2F, HFC-245eb, (k2); and CHF2CHFCHF2, HFC-245ea, (k3); which are suggested as potential substitutes to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), were measured using pulsed laser photolysis-laser-induced fluorescence (PLP-LIF) between 235 and 375 K. The Arrhenius expressions obtained are k1(T) = (4.36 +/- 0.72) x 10(-12) exp[-(1290 +/- 40)/T] cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1); k2(T) = (1.23 +/- 0.18) x 10(-12) exp[-(1250 +/- 40)/T] cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1); k3(T) = (1.91 +/- 0.42) x 10(-12) exp[-(1375 +/- 100)/T] cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1). The quoted uncertainties are 95% confidence limits and include estimated systematic errors. The present results are discussed and compared with rate coefficients available in the literature. Our results are also compared with those calculated using structure activity relationships (SAR) for fluorinated compounds. The IR absorption cross-sections at room temperature for these compounds were measured over the range of 500 to 4000 cm-1. The global warming potentials (GWPs) of CF3CH2CH3(HFC-263fb), CF3CHFCH2F(HFC-245eb), and CHF2CHFCHF2(HFC-245ea) were calculated to be 234, 962, and 723 for a 20-year horizon; 70, 286, and 215 for a 100-year horizon; and 22, 89, and 68 for a 500-year horizon; and the atmospheric lifetimes of these compounds are 0.8, 2.5, and 2.6 years, respectively. It is concluded that these compounds are acceptable substitutes for CFCs in terms of their impact on Earth's climate.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of CF3CHFOCH3, CF3CHFOC(O)H, and FC(O)OCH3 reactions with OH radicals

The kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of CF3CHFOCH3 was studied using an 11.5-dm3 environmental reaction chamber. OH radicals were produced by UV photolysis of an O3-H2O-He mixture at an initial pressure of 200 Torr in the chamber. The rate constant of the reaction of CF3CHFOCH3 with OH radicals (k1) was determined to be (1.77 +/- 0.69) x 10(-12) exp[(-720 +/- 110)/T] cm3 molecule(-1)(s-1) by means of a relative rate method at 253-328 K. The mechanism of the reaction was investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy at 298 K. CF3CHFOC(O)H, FC(O)OCH3, and COF2 were determined to be the major products. The branching ratio (k1a/k1b) for the reactions CF3CHFOCH3 + OH --> CF3CHFOCH2* + H2O (k1a) and CF3CHFOCH3 + OH --> CF3CF*OCH3 + H2O (k1b) was estimated to be 4.2:1 at 298 K from the yields of CF3CHFOC(O)H, FC(O)OCH3, and COF2. The rate constants of the reactions of CF3CHFOC(O)H (k2) and FC(O)OCH3 (k3) with OH radicals were determined to be (9.14 +/- 2.78) x 10(-13) exp[(-1190 +/- 90)/T] and (2.10 +/- 0.65) x 10(-13) exp[(-630 +/- 90)/T] cm3 molecule(-1)(s-1), respectively, by means of a relative rate method at 253-328 K. The rate constants at 298 K were as follows: k1 = (1.56 +/- 0.06) x 10-13, k2 = (1.67 +/- 0.05) x 10-14, and k3 = (2.53 +/- 0.07) x 10-14 cm3 molecule(-1)(s-1). The tropospheric lifetimes of CF3CHFOCH3, CF3CHFOC(O)H, and FC(O)OCH3 with respect to reaction with OH radicals were estimated to be 0.29, 3.2, and 1.8 years, respectively.     

Kinetic study of the reactions of Cl atoms with CF3CH2CH2OH, CF3CF2CH2OH, CHF2CF2CH2OH, and CF3CHFCF2CH2OH

The reaction kinetics of chlorine atoms with a series of partially fluorinated straight-chain alcohols, CF(3)CH(2)CH(2)OH (1), CF(3)CF(2)CH(2)OH (2), CHF(2)CF(2)CH(2)OH (3), and CF(3)CHFCF(2)CH(2)OH (4), were studied in the gas phase over the temperature range of 273-363 K by using very low-pressure reactor mass spectrometry. The absolute rate coefficients were given by the expressions (in cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)): k(1) = (4.42 +/- 0.48) x 10(-11) exp(-255 +/- 20/T); k(1)(303) = (1.90 +/- 0.17) x 10(-11), k(2) = (2.23 +/- 0.31) x 10(-11) exp(-1065 +/- 106/ T); k(2)(303) = (6.78 +/- 0.63) x 10(-13), k(3) = (8.51 +/- 0.62) x 10(-12) exp(-681 +/- 72/T); k(3)(303) = (9.00 +/- 0.82) x 10(-13) and k(4) = (6.18 +/- 0.84) x 10(-12) exp(-736 +/- 42/T); k(4)(303) = (5.36 +/- 0.51) x 10(-13). The quoted 2sigma uncertainties include the systematic errors. All title reactions proceed via a hydrogen atom metathesis mechanism leading to HCl. Moreover, the oxidation of the primarily produced radicals was investigated, and the end products were the corresponding aldehydes (R(F)-CHO; R(F) = -CH(2)CF(3), -CF(2)CF(3), -CF(2)CHF(2), and -CF(2)CHFCF(3)), providing a strong experimental indication that the primary reactions proceed mainly via the abstraction of a methylenic hydrogen adjacent to a hydroxyl group. Finally, the bond strengths and ionization potentials for the title compounds were determined by density functional theory calculations, which also suggest that the alpha-methylenic hydrogen is mainly under abstraction by Cl atoms. The correlation of room-temperature rate coefficients with ionization potentials for a set of 27 molecules, comprising fluorinated C2-C5 ethers and C2-C4 alcohols, is good with an average deviation of a factor of 2, and is given by the expression log(k) (in cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)) = (5.8 +/- 1.4) - (1.56 +/- 0.13) x (ionization potential (in eV)).     

Atmospheric chemistry of the Z and E isomers of CF3CF=CHF; kinetics, mechanisms, and products of gas-phase reactions with Cl atoms, OH radicals, and O3

Smog chamber/FTIR techniques were used to study the atmospheric chemistry of the Z and E isomers of CF3CF=CHF, which we refer to as CF3CF=CHF(Z) and CF3CF=CHF(E). The rate constants k(Cl + CF3CF=CHF(Z)) = (4.36 +/- 0.48) x 10-11, k(OH + CF3CF=CHF(Z)) = (1.22 +/- 0.14) x 10-12, and k(O3 + CF3CF=CHF(Z)) = (1.45 +/- 0.15) x 10-21 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 were determined for the Z isomer of CF3CF=CHF in 700 Torr air diluent at 296 +/- 2 K. The rate constants k(Cl + CF3CF=CHF(E)) = (5.00 +/- 0.56) x 10-11, k(OH + CF3CF=CHF(E)) = (2.15 +/- 0.23) x 10-12, and k(O3 + CF3CF=CHF(E)) = (1.98 +/- 0.15) x 10-20 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 were determined for the E isomer of CF3CF=CHF in 700 Torr air diluent at 296 +/- 2 K. Both the Cl-atom and OH-radical-initiated atmospheric oxidation of CF3CF=CHF give CF3C(O)F and HC(O)F in molar yields indistinguishable from 100% for both the Z and E isomer. CF3CF=CHF(Z) has an atmospheric lifetime of approximately 18 days and a global warming potential (100 year time horizon) of approximately 6. CF3CF=CHF(E) has an atmospheric lifetime of approximately 10 days and a global warming potential (100 year time horizon) of approximately 3. CF3CF=CHF has a negligible global warming potential and will not make any significant contribution to radiative forcing of climate change.     

Cyano- and isocyanotris(trifluoromethyl)borates: syntheses, spectroscopic properties, and solid state structures of K[(CF3)3BCN] and K[(CF3)3BNC

A two step synthesis to the isocyanotris(trifluoromethyl)borate anion, [(CF3)3BNC]-, and its isomerization to the cyanotris(trifluoromethyl)borate anion, [(CF3)3BCN]-, at temperatures above 150 degrees C are presented. In the first step (CF3)3BNCH was obtained by reacting (CF3)3BCO with hydrogen cyanide followed by deprotonation of the HCN adduct with Li[N(SiMe3)2] in toluene. The thermal behavior of K[(CF3)3BNC] and K[(CF3)3BCN] were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and K[BF4] was identified as a major solid decomposition product. The enthalpy of the isocyanide-cyanide rearrangement, deltaH(iso) = -35 +/- 4 kJ mol(-1), was obtained from DSC measurements, and the activation energy, E(a) = 180 +/- 20 kJ mol(-1), from kinetic measurements. The isomerization was modeled as an intramolecular reaction employing DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d) level of theory yielding a reaction enthalpy of deltaH(iso) = -36.1 kJ mol(-1) and an activation energy of E(a) = 155.7 kJ mol(-1). The solid-state structures of K[(CF3)3BNC] and K[(CF3)3BCN] were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both salts are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pnma (no. 62). In the crystals the borate anions possess C(s) symmetry, while for the energetic minimum C3 symmetry is predicted by DFT calculations. The borate anions have been characterized by IR and Raman spectroscopy as well as by NMR spectroscopy. The assignment of the IR and Raman bands is supported by their calculated wavenumbers and intensities. The spectroscopic and structural properties of both borate anions are compared to the properties of the isoelectronic borane carbonyl (CF3)3BCO and the [B(CF3)4]- anion as well as to those of other related species.     

Experimental and theoretical studies of the kinetics of the reactions of OH and OD with 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol between 300 and 415 K at low pressure

The rate constants for the reactions of OH and OD with 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBO) have been measured at 2, 3, and 5 Torr total pressure over the temperature range 300-415 K using a discharge-flow system coupled with laser induced fluorescence detection of OH. The measured rate constants at room temperature and 5 Torr for the OH + MBO reaction in the presence of O2 and the OD + MBO reaction are (6.32 +/- 0.27) and (6.61 +/- 0.66) x 10(-11) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1), respectively, in agreement with previous measurements at higher pressures. However, the rate constants begin to show a pressure dependence at temperatures above 335 K. An Arrhenius expression of k0 = (2.5 +/- 7.4) x 10(-32) exp[(4150 +/- 1150)/T] cm6 molecule(-2) s(-1) was obtained for the low-pressure-limiting rate constant for the OH + MBO reaction in the presence of oxygen. Theoretical calculations of the energetics of the OH + MBO reaction suggest that the stability of the different HO-MBO adducts are similar, with predicted stabilization energies between 27.0 and 33.4 kcal mol(-1) relative to the reactants, with OH addition to the internal carbon predicted to be 1-4 kcal mol(-1) more stable than addition to the terminal carbon. These stabilization energies result in estimated termolecular rate constants for the OH + MBO reaction using simplified calculations based on RRKM theory that are in reasonable agreement with the experimental values.     

Appearance potential of CF3+ in the dissociative photoionization of CF3Br

Measurements of the appearance potential for the production of CF3+ in the photoionization of CF3Br are in sharp disagreement, contributing to controversy in the heat of formation of CF3+. We reexamine our previous work and add additional experiments, obtaining AP(CF3+/CF3Br) = 11.64 +/- 0.04 eV as the average of four measurements made under widely different conditions. This is higher by 0.08 eV than the value we reported previously. Our new value for Delta(f)H0 degrees (CF3+) is now 88.0 +/- 0.9 kcal mol(-1). We compare our method with other techniques.     

CF3CF=CH2 and (Z)-CF3CF=CHF: temperature dependent OH rate coefficients and global warming potentials

Rate coefficients over the temperature range 206-380 K are reported for the gas-phase reaction of OH radicals with 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (CF(3)CF=CH(2)), k(1)(T), and 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene ((Z)-CF(3)CF=CHF), k(2)(T), which are major components in proposed substitutes for HFC-134a (CF(3)CFH(2)) in mobile air-conditioning units. Rate coefficients were measured under pseudo-first-order conditions in OH using pulsed-laser photolysis to produce OH and laser-induced fluorescence to detect it. Rate coefficients were found to be independent of pressure between 25 and 600 Torr (He, N(2)). For CF(3)CF=CH(2), the rate coefficients, within the measurement uncertainty, are given by the Arrhenius expression k(1)(T)=(1.26+/-0.11) x 10(-12) exp[(-35+/-10)/T] cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) where k(1)(296 K)=(1.12+/-0.09) x 10(-12) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). For (Z)-CF(3)CF=CHF, the rate coefficients are given by the non-Arrhenius expression k(2)(T)=(1.6+/-0.2) x 10(-18)T(2) exp[(655+/-50)/T] cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) where k(2)(296 K)=(1.29+/-0.06) x 10(-12) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). Over the temperature range most relevant to the atmosphere, 200-300 K, the Arrhenius expression k(2)(T)=(7.30+/-0.7) x 10(-13) exp[(165+/-20)/T] cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) reproduces the measured rate coefficients very well and can be used in atmospheric model calculations. The quoted uncertainties in the rate coefficients are 2sigma (95% confidence interval) and include estimated systematic errors. The global warming potentials for CF(3)CF=CH(2) and (Z)-CF(3)CF=CHF were calculated to be <4.4 and <3.6, respectively, for the 100 year time horizon using infrared absorption cross sections measured in this work, and atmospheric lifetimes of 12 and 10 days that are based solely on OH reactive loss.     

Intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution involving the torsion in CF3CH3: a molecular dynamics study

Classical trajectory calculations on intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR) involving the torsion in 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (TFE) are reported. Two potential energy functions (PEFs) are used to describe the potential energy surface. The "full" PEF gives excellent agreement with the experimental vibrational frequencies. The "simple" PEF omits nondiagonal interaction terms, but still gives very good agreement with the experimental frequencies. The "simple" PEF is intended to minimize mode-mode coupling. Neither PEF includes the HF elimination reaction. Calculations are carried out both with nominal microcanonical selection of initial coordinates and momenta, and with a modified selection method that places controlled amounts of energy in the torsion. Total (classical) vibrational energies from 0.005 to 140 kcal mol(-1) are investigated. The calculated time constants describing energy flow out of the torsional mode are <10 ps for classical vibrational energies near the classical reaction threshold energy (approximately 75 kcal mol(-1)) and greater. It is found that the rate of decay from the torsion largely depends on the amount of energy in the other vibrational modes. Analysis using power spectra shows that the torsional mode in TFE is strongly coupled to the other vibrational modes. These results strongly suggest that vibrational energy in TFE will not be sequestered in the torsion for time periods greater than a few tens of picoseconds when the molecule has enough energy to react via HF elimination.