Ab initio studies of alkyl radical reactions: Combination and disproportionation reactions of CH3 with C2H5, and the decomposition of chemically activated C3H8

This paper reports the first quantitative ab initio prediction of the disproportionation/combination ratio of alkyl+alkyl reactions using CH3+C2H5 as an example. The reaction has been investigated by the modified Gaussian-2 method with variational transition state or Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus calculations for several channels producing (1) CH4+CH2CH2, (2) C3H8, (3) CH4CH3CH, (4) H2+CH3CHCH2, (5) H2+CH3CCH3, and (6) C2H6+CH2 by H-abstraction and association/decomposition mechanisms through singlet and triplet potential energy paths. Significantly, the disproportionation reaction (1) producing CH4+C2H4 was found to occur primarily by the lowest energy path via a loose hydrogen-bonding singlet molecular complex, H3CHC2H4, with a 3.5 kcal/mol binding energy and a small decomposition barrier (1.9 kcal/mol), instead of a direct H-abstraction process. Bimolecular reaction rate constants for the formation of the above products have been calculated in the temperature range 300-3000 K. At 1 atm, formation of C3H8 is dominant below 1200 K. Over 1200 K, the disproportionation reaction becomes competitive. The sum of products (3)-(6) accounts for less than 0.3% below 1500 K and it reaches around 1%-4% above 2000 K. The predicted rate constant for the disproportionation reaction with multiple reflections above the complex well, k1=5.04 x T(0.41) exp(429/T) at 200-600 K and k1=1.96 x 10(-20) T(2.45) exp(1470/T) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1) at 600-3000 K, agrees closely with experimental values. Similarly, the predicted high-pressure rate constants for the combination reaction forming C3H8 and its reverse dissociation reaction in the temperature range 300-3000 K, k2(infinity)=2.41 x 10(-10) T(-0.34) exp(259/T) cm3 molecule(-1) s(-1) and k(-2)(infinity)=8.89 x 10(22) T(-1.67)exp(-46 037/T) s(-1), respectively, are also in good agreement with available experimental data.     

A kinetic study of the reactions of Ca+ ions with O3, O2, N2, CO2 and H2O

The reactions between Ca(+)(4(2)S(1/2)) and O(3), O(2), N(2), CO(2) and H(2)O were studied using two techniques: the pulsed laser photo-dissociation at 193 nm of an organo-calcium vapour, followed by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy of Ca(+) at 393.37 nm (Ca(+)(4(2)P(3/2)-4(2)S(1/2))); and the pulsed laser ablation at 532 nm of a calcite target in a fast flow tube, followed by mass spectrometric detection of Ca(+). The rate coefficient for the reaction with O(3) is essentially independent of temperature, k(189-312 K) = (3.9 +/- 1.2) x 10(-10) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), and is about 35% of the Langevin capture frequency. One reason for this is that there is a lack of correlation between the reactant and product potential energy surfaces for near coplanar collisions. The recombination reactions of Ca(+) with O(2), CO(2) and H(2)O were found to be in the fall-off region over the experimental pressure range (1-80 Torr). The data were fitted by RRKM theory combined with quantum calculations on CaO(2)(+), Ca(+).CO(2) and Ca(+).H(2)O, yielding the following results with He as third body when extrapolated from 10(-3)-10(3) Torr and a temperature range of 100-1500 K. For Ca(+) + O(2): log(10)(k(rec,0)/cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1)) = -26.16 - 1.113log(10)T- 0.056log(10)(2)T, k(rec,infinity) = 1.4 x 10(-10) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), F(c) = 0.56. For Ca(+) + CO(2): log(10)(k(rec,0)/ cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1)) = -27.94 + 2.204log(10)T- 1.124log(10)(2)T, k(rec,infinity) = 3.5 x 10(-11) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), F(c) = 0.60. For Ca(+) + H(2)O: log(10)(k(rec,0)/ cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1)) = -23.88 - 1.823log(10)T- 0.063log(10)(2)T, k(rec,infinity) = 7.3 x 10(-11)exp(830 J mol(-1)/RT) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), F(c) = 0.50 (F(c) is the broadening factor). A classical trajectory analysis of the Ca(+) + CO(2) reaction is then used to investigate the small high pressure limiting rate coefficient, which is significantly below the Langevin capture frequency. Finally, the implications of these results for calcium chemistry in the mesosphere are discussed.     

Reaction kinetics of the addition of atomic sulfur to nitric oxide

The reaction of S((3)P(J)) with NO ((2)Pi) in an Ar bath gas has been studied by the laser photolysis-resonance fluorescence technique over 300-810 K at pressures from 60 to 800 mbar. The observed second-order rate constants are close to the low-pressure limit. Fitting of Troe's formalism to experiment, with an estimated F(cent) = 0.78 exp(-T/7445) and k(infinity) given subsequently, yields k(0) = (6.2+/-0.6) x 10(-33) exp(+ (940+/-40)/T) cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1). Error limits are +/-25%. A theoretical analysis of this value suggests that the average energy transferred during collisions between Ar and the excited intermediate is DeltaE = -360(-160) (+90) cm(-1). Over 300-800 K, the high-pressure limit is predicted to be k(infinity) = 2.2 x 10(-10) (T/300)(0.24) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). Doublet and quartet adducts between S and NO were characterized via CBS-QB3 theory. The kinetic data can be rationalized with SNO ((2)A(')) as the major product, and an ab initio estimate of Delta(f)H(298) for SNO is 176+/-8 kJ mol(-1).     

A kinetic study of the reactions of Fe+ with N2O, N2, O2, CO2 and H2O, and the ligand-switching reactions Fe+.X + Y --> Fe+.Y + X (X = N2, O2, CO2; Y = O2, H2O)

A series of reactions involving Fe(+) ions were studied by the pulsed laser ablation of an iron target, with detection of ions by quadrupole mass spectrometry at the downstream end of a fast flow tube. The reactions of Fe(+) with N(2)O, N(2) and O(2) were studied in order to benchmark this new technique. Extending measurements of the rate coefficient for Fe(+) + N(2)O from 773 K to 185 K shows that the reaction exhibits marked non-Arrhenius behaviour, which appears to be explained by excitation of the N(2)O bending vibrational modes. The recombination of Fe(+) with CO(2) and H(2)O in He was then studied over a range of pressure and temperature. The data were fitted by RRKM theory combined with ab initio quantum calculations on Fe(+).CO(2) and Fe(+).H(2)O, yielding the following results (120-400 K and 0-10(3) Torr). For Fe(+) + CO(2): k(rec,0) = 1.0 x 10(-29) (T/300 K)(-2.31) cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1); k(rec,infinity) = 8.1 x 10(-10) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). For Fe(+) + H(2)O: k(rec,0) = 5.3 x 10(-29) (T/300 K)(-2.02) cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1); k(rec,infinity) = 2.1 x 10(-9) (T/300 K)(-0.41) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). The uncertainty in these rate coefficients is determined using a Monte Carlo procedure. A series of exothermic ligand-switching reactions were also studied at 294 K: k(Fe(+).N(2) + O(2)) = (3.17 +/- 0.41) x 10(-10), k(Fe(+).CO(2) + O(2)) = (2.16 +/- 0.35) x 10(-10), k(Fe(+).N(2) + H(2)O) = (1.25 +/- 0.14) x 10(-9) and k(Fe(+).O(2) + H(2)O) = (8.79 +/- 1.30) x 10(-10) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), which are all between 36 and 52% of their theoretical upper limits calculated from long-range capture theory. Finally, the role of these reactions in the chemistry of meteor-ablated iron in the upper atmosphere is discussed. The removal rates of Fe(+) by N(2), O(2), CO(2) and H(2)O at 90 km altitude are approximately 0.1, 0.07, 3 x 10(-4) and 1 x 10(-6) s(-1), respectively. The initially formed Fe(+).N(2) and Fe(+).O(2) are converted into the H(2)O complex at approximately 0.05 s(-1). Fe(+).H(2)O should therefore be the most abundant single-ligand Fe(+) complex in the mesosphere below 90 km.     

Kinetics of the unimolecular decomposition of the 2-chloroallyl radical

The thermal decomposition of the 2-chloroallyl radical, CH(2)CClCH(2) --> CH(2)CCH(2) + Cl (1), was studied using the laser photolysis/photoionization mass spectrometry technique. Rate constants were determined in time-resolved experiments as a function of temperature (720-840 K) and bath gas density ([He] = (3-12) x 10(16), [N(2)] = 6 x 10(16) molecule cm(-3)). C(3)H(4) was observed as a primary product of reaction 1. The rate constants of reaction 1 are in the falloff, close to the low-pressure limit, under the conditions of the experiments. The potential energy surface (PES) of reaction 1 was studied using a variety of quantum chemical methods. The results of the study indicate that the minimum energy path of the CH(2)CClCH(2) dissociation proceeds through a PES plateau corresponding to a weakly bound Cl-C(3)H(4) complex; a PES saddle point exists between the equilibrium CH(2)CClCH(2) structure and the Cl-C(3)H(4) complex. The results of quantum chemical calculations, the rate constant values obtained in the experimental study, and literature data on the reverse reaction of addition of Cl to allene were used to create a model of reactions 1 and -1. The experimental dependences of the rate constants on temperature and pressure were reproduced in RRKM/master equation calculations. The reaction model provides expressions for the temperature dependences of the high-pressure-limit and the low-pressure-limit rate constants and the falloff broadening factors (at T = 300-1600 K): k(infinity)(1) = 1.45 x 10(20)T(-1.75) exp(-19609 K/T) s(-1), k(infinity)(-)(1) = 8.94 x 10(-10)T(-0.40) exp(481 K/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), k(1)(0)(He) = 5.01 x 10(-32)T(-12.02) exp(-22788 K/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), k(1)(0)(N(2)) = 2.50 x 10(-32)T(-11.92) exp(-22756 K/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), F(cent)(He) = 0.46 exp(-T/1001 K) + 0.54 exp(-T/996 K) + exp(-4008 K/T), and F(cent)(N(2)) = 0.37 exp(-T/2017 K) + 0.63 exp(-T/142 K) + exp(-4812 K/T). The experimental data are not sufficient to specify all the parameters of the model; consequently, some of the model parameters were obtained from quantum chemical calculations and from analogy with other reactions of radical decomposition. Thus, the parametrization is most reliable under conditions close to those used in the experiments.     

Structure and reactivity of bis(silyl) dihydride complexes (PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiR(3))(2)(H)(2): model compounds and real intermediates in a dehydrogenative C-Si bond forming reaction

A series of stable complexes, (PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiR(3))(2)(H)(2) ((SiR(3))(2) = (SiH(2)Ph)(2), 3a; (SiHPh(2))(2), 3b; (SiMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(2)), 3c), has been synthesized by the reaction of hydridosilanes with (PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiMe(3))H(3) or (PMe(3))(4)Ru(SiMe(3))H. Compounds 3a and 3c adopt overall pentagonal bipyramidal geometries in solution and the solid state, with phosphine and silyl ligands defining trigonal bipyramids and ruthenium hydrides arranged in the equatorial plane. Compound 3a exhibits meridional phosphines, with both silyl ligands equatorial, whereas the constraints of the chelate in 3c result in both axial and equatorial silyl environments and facial phosphines. Although there is no evidence for agostic Si-H interactions in 3a and 3b, the equatorial silyl group in 3c is in close contact with one hydride (1.81(4) A) and is moderately close to the other hydride (2.15(3) A) in the solid state and solution (nu(Ru.H.Si) = 1740 cm(-)(1) and nu(RuH) = 1940 cm(-)(1)). The analogous bis(silyl) dihydride, (PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiMe(3))(2)(H)(2) (3d), is not stable at room temperature, but can be generated in situ at low temperature from the 16e(-) complex (PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiMe(3))H (1) and HSiMe(3). Complexes 3b and 3d have been characterized by multinuclear, variable temperature NMR and appear to be isostructural with 3a. All four complexes exhibit dynamic NMR spectra, but the slow exchange limit could not be observed for 3c. Treatment of 1 with HSiMe(3) at room temperature leads to formation of (PMe(3))(3)Ru(SiMe(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))H(3) (4b) via a CH functionalization process critical to catalytic dehydrocoupling of HSiMe(3) at higher temperatures. Closer inspection of this reaction between -110 and -10 degrees C by NMR reveals a plethora of silyl hydride phosphine complexes formed by ligand redistribution prior to CH activation. Above ca. 0 degrees C this mixture converts cleanly via silane dehydrogenation to the very stable tris(phosphine) trihydride carbosilyl complex 4b. The structure of 4b was determined crystallographically and exhibits a tetrahedral P(3)Si environment around the metal with the three hydrides adjacent to silicon and capping the P(2)Si faces. Although strong Si.HRu interactions are not indicated in the structure or by IR, the HSi distances (2.00(4) - 2.09(4) A) and average coupling constant (J(SiH) = 25 Hz) suggest some degree of nonclassical SiH bonding in the RuH(3)Si moiety. The least hindered complex, 3a, reacts with carbon monoxide principally via an H(2) elimination pathway to yield mer-(PMe(3))(3)(CO)Ru(SiH(2)Ph)(2), with SiH elimination as a minor process. However, only SiH elimination and formation of (PMe(3))(3)(CO)Ru(SiR(3))H is observed for 3b-d. The most hindered bis(silyl) complex, 3d, is extremely labile and even in the absence of CO undergoes SiH reductive elimination to generate the 16e(-) species 1 (DeltaH(SiH)(-)(elim) = 11.0 +/- 0.6 kcal x mol(-)(1) and DeltaS(SiH)(-)(elim) = 40 +/- 2 cal x mol(-)(1) x K(-)(1); Delta = 9.2 +/- 0.8 kcal x mol(-)(1) and Delta = 9 +/- 3 cal x mol(-)(1).K(-)(1)). The minimum barrier for the H(2) reductive elimination can be estimated, and is higher than that for silane elimination at temperatures above ca. -50 degrees C. The thermodynamic preferences for oxidative additions to 1 are dominated by entropy contributions and steric effects. Addition of H(2) is by far most favorable, whereas the relative aptitudes for intramolecular silyl CH activation and intermolecular SiH addition are strongly dependent on temperature (DeltaH(SiH)(-)(add) = -11.0 +/- 0.6 kcal x mol(-)(1) and DeltaS(SiH)(-)(add) = -40 +/- 2 cal.mol(-)(1) x K(-)(1); DeltaH(beta)(-CH)(-)(add) = -2.7 +/- 0.3 kcal x mol(-)(1) and DeltaS(beta)(-CH)(-)(add) = -6 +/- 1 cal x mol(-)(1) x K(-)(1)). Kinetic preferences for oxidative additions to 1 - intermolecular SiH and intramolecular CH - have been also quantified: Delta = -1.8 +/- 0.8 kcal x mol(-)(1) and Delta = -31 +/- 3 cal x mol(-)(1).K(-)(1); Delta = 16.4 +/- 0.6 kcal x mol(-)(1) and Delta = -13 +/- 6 cal x mol(-)(1).K(-)(1). The relative enthalpies of activation (-)(1) x K(-)(1)). Kinetic preferences for oxidative additions to 1 - intermolecular SiH and intramolecular CH - have been also quantified: Delta (H)SiH(add) = 1.8 +/- 0.8 kcal x mol(-)(1) and Delta S((SiH-add) =31+/- 3 cal x mol(-)(1) x K(-)(1); Delta S (SiH -add) = 16.4 +/- 0.6 kcal x mol(-)(1) and =Delta S (SiH -CH -add) =13+/- 6 cal x mol(-)(1) x K(-)(1). The relative enthalpies of activation are interpreted in terms of strong SiH sigma-complex formation - and much weaker CH coordination - in the transition state for oxidative addition.     

Proton transfer to nickel-thiolate complexes. 2. Rate-limiting intramolecular proton transfer in the reactions of [Ni(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(PhP[CH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)](2))](+) (R = NO(2), Cl, H, Me, or MeO)

The protonation of [Ni(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(triphos)](+) (triphos = PhP[CH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)](2); R = NO(2), Cl, H, Me, or MeO) by [lutH](+) (lut = 2,6-dimethylpyridine) to form [Ni(S(H)C(6)H(4)R-4)(triphos)](2+) is an equilibrium reaction in MeCN. Kinetic studies, using stopped-flow spectrophotometry, reveal that the reactions occur by a two-step mechanism. Initially, [lutH](+) rapidly binds to the complex (K(2)(R)) in an interaction which probably involves hydrogen-bonding of the acid to the sulfur. Subsequent intramolecular proton transfer from [lutH](+) to sulfur (k(3)(R)) is slow because of both electronic and steric factors. The X-ray crystal structures of [Ni(SC(6)H(4)R-4)(triphos)](+) (R = NO(2), H, Me, or MeO) show that all are best described as square-planar complexes, with the phenyl substituents of the triphos ligand presenting an appreciable barrier to the approach of the sterically demanding [lutH](+) to the sulfur. The kinetic characteristics of the intramolecular proton transfer from [lutH](+) to sulfur have been investigated. The rate of intramolecular proton transfer exhibits a nonlinear dependence on Hammett sigma(+), with both electron-releasing and electron-withdrawing 4-R-substituents on the coordinated thiolate facilitating the rate of proton transfer (NO(2) > Cl > H > Me < MeO). The rate constants for intramolecular proton transfer correlate well with the calculated electron density of the sulfur. The temperature dependence of the rate of the intramolecular proton transfer reactions shows that deltaH() is small but increases as the 4-R-substituent becomes more electron-withdrawing [deltaH = 4.1 (MeO), 6.9 (Me), 11.4 kcal mol(-)(1) (NO(2))], while DeltaS() becomes progressively less negative [deltaS = -50.1 (MeO), -41.2 (Me), -16.4 (NO(2)) cal K(-)(1) mol(-)(1)]. Studies with [lutD](+) show that the rate of intramolecular proton transfer varies with the 4-R-substituent [(k(3)(NO)2)(H)/(k(3)(NO)2)(D) = 0.39; (k(3)(Cl))(H)/(k(3)(Cl))(D) = 0.88; (k(3)(Me))(H)/(k(3)(Me))(D) = 1.3; (k(3)(MeO))(H)/(k(3)(MeO))(D) = 1.2].     

Ab initio chemical kinetic study on the reactions of ClO with C2H2 and C2H4

The mechanisms for the reactions of ClO with C(2)H(2) and C(2)H(4) have been investigated at the CCSD(T)/CBS level of theory. The results show that in both systems, the interaction between the Cl atom of the ClO radical and the triple and double bonds of C(2)H(2) and C(2)H(4) forms prereaction van der Waals complexes with the O-Cl bond pointing perpendicularly toward the π-bonds, both with 2.1 kcal/mol binding energies. The mechanism is similar to those of the HO-C(2)H(2)/C(2)H(4) systems. The rate constants for the low energy channels have been predicted by statistical theory. For the reaction of ClO and C(2)H(2), the main channels are the production of CH(2)CO + Cl (k(1a)) and CHCO + HCl (k(1b)), with k(1a) = 1.19 × 10(-15)T(1.18) exp(-5814/T) and k(1b) = 6.94 × 10(-21) × T(2.60) exp(-6587/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). For the ClO + C(2)H(4) reaction, the main pathway leads to C(2)H(4)O + Cl (k(2a)) with the predicted rate constant k(2a) = 2.13 × 10(-17)T(1.52) exp(-3849/T) in the temperature range of 300-3000 K. These rate constants are pressure-independent below 100 atm.     

Studies of the kinetics and thermochemistry of the forward and reverse reaction Cl + C6H6 = HCl + C6H5

The laser flash photolysis resonance fluorescence technique was used to monitor atomic Cl kinetics. Loss of Cl following photolysis of CCl4 and NaCl was used to determine k(Cl + C6H6) = 6.4 x 10(-12) exp(-18.1 kJ mol(-1)/RT) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) over 578-922 K and k(Cl + C6D6) = 6.2 x 10(-12) exp(-22.8 kJ mol(-1)/RT) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) over 635-922 K. Inclusion of literature data at room temperature leads to a recommendation of k(Cl + C6H6) = 6.1 x 10(-11) exp(-31.6 kJ mol(-1)/RT) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) for 296-922 K. Monitoring growth of Cl during the reaction of phenyl with HCl led to k(C6H5 + HCl) = 1.14 x 10(-12) exp(+5.2 kJ mol(-1)/RT) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) over 294-748 K, k(C6H5 + DCl) = 7.7 x 10(-13) exp(+4.9 kJ mol(-1)/RT) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) over 292-546 K, an approximate k(C6H5 + C6H5I) = 2 x 10(-11) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) over 300-750 K, and an upper limit k(Cl + C6H5I) < or = 5.3 x 10(-12) exp(+2.8 kJ mol(-1)/RT) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) over 300-750 K. Confidence limits are discussed in the text. Third-law analysis of the equilibrium constant yields the bond dissociation enthalpy D(298)(C6H5-H) = 472.1 +/- 2.5 kJ mol(-1) and thus the enthalpy of formation Delta(f)H(298)(C6H5) = 337.0 +/- 2.5 kJ mol(-1).     

A kinetic study of Mg+ and Mg-containing ions reacting with O3, O2, N2, CO2, N2O and H2O: implications for magnesium ion chemistry in the upper atmosphere

Reactions between Mg(+) and O(3), O(2), N(2), CO(2) and N(2)O were studied using the pulsed laser photo-dissociation at 193 nm of Mg(C(5)H(7)O(2))(2) vapour, followed by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence of Mg(+) at 279.6 nm (Mg(+)(3(2)P(3/2)-3(2)S(1/2))). The rate coefficient for the reaction Mg(+) + O(3) is at the Langevin capture rate coefficient and independent of temperature, k(190-340 K) = (1.17 ± 0.19) × 10(-9) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) (1σ error). The reaction MgO(+) + O(3) is also fast, k(295 K) = (8.5 ± 1.5) × 10(-10) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), and produces Mg(+) + 2O(2) with a branching ratio of (0.35 ± 0.21), the major channel forming MgO(2)(+) + O(2). Rate data for Mg(+) recombination reactions yielded the following low-pressure limiting rate coefficients: k(Mg(+) + N(2)) = 2.7 × 10(-31) (T/300 K)(-1.88); k(Mg(+) + O(2)) = 4.1 × 10(-31) (T/300 K)(-1.65); k(Mg(+) + CO(2)) = 7.3 × 10(-30) (T/300 K)(-1.59); k(Mg(+) + N(2)O) = 1.9 × 10(-30) (T/300 K)(-2.51) cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1), with 1σ errors of ±15%. Reactions involving molecular Mg-containing ions were then studied at 295 K by the pulsed laser ablation of a magnesite target in a fast flow tube, with mass spectrometric detection. Rate coefficients for the following ligand-switching reactions were measured: k(Mg(+)·CO(2) + H(2)O → Mg(+)·H(2)O + CO(2)) = (5.1 ± 0.9) × 10(-11); k(MgO(2)(+) + H(2)O → Mg(+)·H(2)O + O(2)) = (1.9 ± 0.6) × 10(-11); k(Mg(+)·N(2) + O(2)→ Mg(+)·O(2) + N(2)) = (3.5 ± 1.5) × 10(-12) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). Low-pressure limiting rate coefficients were obtained for the following recombination reactions in He: k(MgO(2)(+) + O(2)) = 9.0 × 10(-30) (T/300 K)(-3.80); k(Mg(+)·CO(2) + CO(2)) = 2.3 × 10(-29) (T/300 K)(-5.08); k(Mg(+)·H(2)O + H(2)O) = 3.0 × 10(-28) (T/300 K)(-3.96); k(MgO(2)(+) + N(2)) = 4.7 × 10(-30) (T/300 K)(-3.75); k(MgO(2)(+) + CO(2)) = 6.6 × 10(-29) (T/300 K)(-4.18); k(Mg(+)·H(2)O + O(2)) = 1.2 × 10(-27) (T/300 K)(-4.13) cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1). The implications of these results for magnesium ion chemistry in the atmosphere are discussed.     

Experimental and master equation study of the kinetics of OH + C2H2: temperature dependence of the limiting high pressure and pressure dependent rate coefficients

The kinetics of the reaction OH + C2H2 have been studied using laser flash photolysis at 248 nm to generate OH radicals and laser-induced fluorescence to monitor OH removal. An attempt was made to use the rate coefficients OH (v = 1,2) + C2H2 to determine the limiting high-pressure rate coefficient, k(1a)(infinity), over the temperature range of 195-823 K. This method is usually applicable if the reaction samples the potential energy well of the adduct, HOC2H2, and if intramolecular vibrational relaxation is fast. In the present case, however, the rate coefficients for loss of the vibrationally excited states by reaction with C2H2 also contain a substantial contribution from nonreactive vibrational relaxation, which occurs via a mechanism that does not sample the adduct potential energy well but involves, at least at low temperatures, collisions that access a shallower, longer range van der Waals well. The data were analyzed using a composite mechanism that incorporates both reactive and nonreactive energy transfer mechanisms, which allows the determination of k(1a)(infinity)(T) for OH + C2H2 with satisfactory accuracy over the temperature range 195-823 K. The kinetics of the reaction OH (v = 0) + C2H2 were also studied in He over the range of conditions: 210-373 K and 5-760 Torr. A one-dimensional master equation (ME) analysis of the experimental data provided a further determination of k(1a)(infinity)(T) and also (down) for He. Combining the two sets of results gives a consistent dataset for k(1a)(infinity) and the Arrhenius parameters A1ainfinity = 7.3 x 10(-12) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) and E(1a)(infinity) = 5.3 kJ mol(-1), with (down) = 150(T/300 K) cm(-1). Additional experiments were conducted at room temperature in N(2) and SF(6) by laser flash photolysis with cavity ring down spectroscopy, and ME calculations were then optimized for the pressure falloff in N(2) by varying the average downward energy transfer parameter ((down)). The output from the best fit ME was parametrized using a modified Troe expression to provide rate data for use in atmospheric modeling.     

Peroxy radical isomerization in the oxidation of isoprene

We report experimental evidence for the formation of C(5)-hydroperoxyaldehydes (HPALDs) from 1,6-H-shift isomerizations in peroxy radicals formed from the hydroxyl radical (OH) oxidation of 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (isoprene). At 295 K, the isomerization rate of isoprene peroxy radicals (ISO2?) relative to the rate of reaction of ISO2? + HO2 is k(isom)(295)/(k(ISO2?+HO2)(295)) = (1.2 ± 0.6) x 10(8) mol cm(-3), or k(isom)(295) ? 0.002 s(-1). The temperature dependence of this rate was determined through experiments conducted at 295, 310 and 318 K and is well described by k(isom)(T)/(k(ISO2?+HO2)(T)) = 2.0 x 10(21) exp(-9000/T) mol cm(-3). The overall uncertainty in the isomerization rate (relative to k(ISO2?+HO2)) is estimated to be 50%. Peroxy radicals from the oxidation of the fully deuterated isoprene analog isomerize at a rate ～15 times slower than non-deuterated isoprene. The fraction of isoprene peroxy radicals reacting by 1,6-H-shift isomerization is estimated to be 8-11% globally, with values up to 20% in tropical regions.     

Kinetic and product study of the gas-phase reactions of OH radicals, NO(3) radicals, and O(3) with (C(2)H(5)O)(2)P(S)CH(3) and (C(2)H(5)O)(3)PS

Rate constants for the reactions of OH radicals and NO3 radicals with O,O-diethyl methylphosphonothioate [(C(2)H(5)O)(2)P(S)CH(3); DEMPT] and O,O,O-triethyl phosphorothioate [(C(2)H(5)O)(3)PS; TEPT] have been measured using relative rate methods at atmospheric pressure of air over the temperature range 296-348 K for the OH radical reactions and at 296 +/- 2 K for the NO(3) radical reactions. At 296 +/- 2 K, the rate constants obtained for the OH radical reactions (in units of 10(-11) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)) were 20.4 +/- 0.8 and 7.92 +/- 0.27 for DEMPT and TEPT, respectively, and those for the NO(3) radical reactions (in units of 10(-15) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)) were 2.01 +/- 0.20 and 1.03 +/- 0.10, respectively. Upper limits to the rate constants for the reactions of O(3) with DEMPT and TEPT of <6 x 10(-20) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) were determined in each case. Rate constants for the OH radical reactions, measured relative to k(OH + alpha-pinene) = 1.21 x 10(-11) e(436/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), resulted in the Arrhenius expressions k(OH + DEMPT) = 1.08 x 10(-11) e(871+/-25)/T cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) and k(OH + TEPT) = 8.21 x 10(-13) e(1353+/-49)/T cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) over the temperature range 296-348 K, where the indicated errors are two least-squares standard deviations and do not include the uncertainties in the reference rate constant. Diethyl methylphosphonate was identified and quantified from the OH radical and NO(3) radical reactions with DEMPT, with formation yields of 21 +/- 4%, independent of temperature, from the OH radical reaction and 62 +/- 11% from the NO(3) radical reaction at 296 +/- 2 K. Similarly, triethyl phosphate was identified and quantified from the OH radical and NO(3) radical reactions with TEPT, with formation yields of 56 +/- 9%, independent of temperature, from the OH radical reaction and 78 +/- 15% from the NO(3) radical reaction at 296 +/- 2 K.     

Falloff curves for the Reaction CH3 + O2 (+ M) --> CH3O2 (+ M) in the pressure range 2-1000 bar and the temperature range 300-700 K

The reaction CH(3) + O(2) (+M) --> CH(3)O(2) (+M) was studied in the bath gases Ar and N(2) in a high-temperature/high-pressure flow cell at pressures ranging from 2 to 1000 bar and at temperatures between 300 and 700 K. Methyl radicals were generated by laser flash photolysis of azomethane or acetone. Methylperoxy radicals were monitored by UV absorption at 240 nm. The falloff curves of the rate constants are represented by the simplified expression k/k(infinity) approximately [x/(1 + x)]F(cent)(1/{1+[(log)(x)/)(N)(]2}) with x = k(0)/k(infinity) F(cent) approximately 0.33, and N approximately 1.47, where k(0) and k(infinity) denote the limiting low and high-pressure rate constants, respectively. At low temperatures, 300-400 K, and pressures >300 bar, a fairly abrupt increase of the rate constants beyond the values given by the falloff expressions was observed. This effect is attributed to a contribution from the radical complex mechanism as was also observed in other recombination reactions of larger radicals. Equal limiting low-pressure rate constants k(0) = [M]7 x 10(-31)(T/300 K)(-3.0) cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1) were fitted for M = Ar and N(2) whereas limiting high-pressure rate constants k(infinity) = 2.2 x 10(-12)(T/300 K)(0.9) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) were approached. These values are discussed in terms of unimolecular rate theory. It is concluded that a theoretical interpretation of the derived rate constants has to be postponed until better information of the potential energy surface is available. Preliminary theoretical evaluation suggests that there is an "anisotropy bottleneck" in the otherwise barrierless interaction potential between CH(3) and O(2).     

Direct measurements of the high temperature rate constants of the reactions NCN + O, NCN + NCN, and NCN + M

The rate constant of the reaction NCN + O has been directly measured for the first time. According to the revised Fenimore mechanism, which is initiated by the NCN forming reaction CH + N(2)→ NCN + H, this reaction plays a key role for prompt NO(x) formation in flames. NCN radicals and O atoms have been quantitatively generated by the pyrolysis of NCN(3) and N(2)O, respectively. NCN concentration-time profiles have been monitored behind shock waves using narrow-bandwidth laser absorption at a wavelength of λ = 329.1302 nm. Whereas no pressure dependence was discernible at pressures between 709 mbar < p < 1861 mbar, a barely significant temperature dependence corresponding to an activation energy of 5.8 ± 6.0 kJ mol(-1) was found. Overall, at temperatures of 1826 K < T < 2783 K, the rate constant can be expressed as k(NCN + O) = 9.6 × 10(13)× exp(-5.8 kJ mol(-1)/RT) cm(3) mol(-1) s(-1) (±40%). As a requirement for accurate high temperature rate constant measurements, a consistent NCN background mechanism has been derived from pyrolysis experiments of pure NCN(3)/Ar gas mixtures, beforehand. Presumably, the bimolecular secondary reaction NCN + NCN yields CN radicals hence triggering a chain reaction cycle that efficiently removes NCN. A temperature independent value of k(NCN + NCN) = (3.7 ± 1.5) × 10(12) cm(3) mol(-1) s(-1) has been determined from measurements at pressures ranging from 143 mbar to 1884 mbar and temperatures ranging from 966 K to 1900 K. At higher temperatures, the unimolecular decomposition of NCN, NCN + M → C + N(2) + M, prevails. Measurements at temperatures of 2012 K < T < 3248 K and at total pressures of 703 mbar < p < 2204 mbar reveal a unimolecular decomposition close to its low pressure limit. The corresponding rate constants can be expressed as k(NCN + M) = 8.9 × 10(14)× exp(-260 kJ mol(-1)/RT) cm(3) mol(-1) s(-1)(±20%).     

High pressure pyrolysis of toluene. 1. Experiments and modeling of toluene decomposition

The pyrolysis of toluene, the simplest methyl-substituted aromatic molecule, has been studied behind reflected shock waves using a single pulse shock tube. Experiments were performed at nominal high pressures of 27 and 45 bar and spanning a wide temperature range from 1200 to 1900 K. A variety of stable species, ranging from small hydrocarbons to single ring aromatics (principal soot precursors such as phenylacetylene and indene) were sampled from the shock tube and analyzed using standard gas chromatographic techniques. A detailed chemical kinetic model with 262 reactions and 87 species was assembled to simulate the stable species profiles (specifically toluene, benzene and methane) from the current high-pressure pyrolysis data sets and shock tube-atomic resonance absorption spectrometry (ARAS) H atom profiles obtained from prior toluene pyrolysis experiments performed under similar high-temperature conditions and lower pressures from 1.5 to 8 bar. The primary steps in toluene pyrolysis represent the most sensitive and dominant reactions in the model. Consequently, in the absence of unambiguous direct experimental measurements, we have utilized recent high level theoretical estimates of the barrierless association rate coefficients for these primary reactions, C6H5 + CH3 --> C6H5CH3 (1a) and C6H5CH2 + H --> C6H5CH3 (1b) in the detailed chemical kinetic model. The available data sets can be successfully reconciled with revised values for deltaH0f(298K)(C6H5CH2) = 51.5 +/- 1.0 kcal/mol and deltaH0f(298K)(C6H5) = 78.6 +/- 1.0 kcal/mol that translate to primary dissociation rate constants, reverse of 1a and 1b, represented by k(-1a,infinity) = (4.62 x 10(25))T(-2.53)exp[-104.5 x 10(3)/RT] s(-1) and k(-1b,infinity) = (1.524 x 10(16))T(-0.04)exp[-93.5 x 10(3)/RT] s(-1) (R in units of cal/(mol K)). These high-pressure limiting rate constants suggest high-temperature branching ratios for the primary steps that vary from 0.39 to 0.52 over the temperature range 1200-1800 K.     

Experimental and theoretical investigation of the reaction NH(X3Sigma-) + H(2S)-->N(4S) + H2(X1)Sigmag +)

The rate coefficient of the reaction NH(X (3)Sigma(-)) + H((2)S)-->(k(1a) )N((4)S) + H(2)(X (1)Sigma(g) (+)) is determined in a quasistatic laser-flash photolysis, laser-induced fluorescence system at low pressures (2 mbar< or =p< or =10 mbar). The NH(X) radicals are produced via the quenching of NH(a(1)Delta) (obtained by photolyzing HN(3)) with Xe whereas the H atoms are generated in a H(2)He microwave discharge. The NH(X) concentration profile is measured under pseudo-first-order condition, i.e., in the presence of a large excess of H atoms. The room temperature rate coefficient is determined to be k(1a) = (1.9 +/- 0.5) x 10(12) cm(3) mol(-1) s(-1). It is found to be independent of the pressure in the range considered in the present experiment. A global potential energy surface for the (4)A(") state is calculated with the internally contracted multireference configuration interaction method and the augmented correlation consistent polarized valence quadruple zeta atomic basis. The title reaction is investigated by classical trajectory calculations on this surface. The theoretical room temperature rate coefficient is k(1a) = 0.92 x 10(12)cm(3) mol(-1) s(-1). Using the thermodynamical data for the atoms and molecules involved, the rate coefficient for the reverse reaction, k(-1a), is also calculated. At high temperatures it agrees well with the measured k(-1a).     

H atom attack on propene

The reaction of propene (CH(3)CH═CH(2)) with hydrogen atoms has been investigated in a heated single-pulsed shock tube at temperatures between 902 and 1200 K and pressures of 1.5-3.4 bar. Stable products from H atom addition and H abstraction have been identified and quantified by gas chromatography/flame ionization/mass spectrometry. The reaction for the H addition channel involving methyl displacement from propene has been determined relative to methyl displacement from 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (135TMB), leading to a reaction rate, k(H + propene) → H(2)C═CH(2) + CH(3)) = 4.8 × 10(13) exp(-2081/T) cm(3)/(mol s). The rate constant for the abstraction of the allylic hydrogen atom is determined to be k(H + propene → CH(2)CH═CH(2) + H(2)) = 6.4 × 10(13) exp(-4168/T) cm(3)/(mol s). The reaction of H + propene has also been directly studied relative to the reaction of H + propyne, and the relationship is found to be log[k(H + propyne → acetylene + CH(3))/k(H + propene → ethylene + CH(3))] = (-0.461 ± 0.041)(1000/T) + (0.44 ± 0.04). The results showed that the rate constant for the methyl displacement reaction with propene is a factor of 1.05 ± 0.1 larger than that for propyne near 1000 K. The present results are compared with relevant earlier data on related compounds.     

Rate coefficients and equilibrium constant for the CH2CHO + O2 reaction system

The kinetics of the CH2CHO + O2 reaction was experimentally studied in two quasi-static reactors and a discharge flow-reactor at temperatures ranging from 298 to 660 K and pressures between 1 mbar and 46 bar with helium as the bath gas. The CH2CHO radicals were produced by the laser-flash photolysis of ethyl vinyl ether at 193 nm and by the reaction F + CH3CHO, respectively. Laser-induced fluorescence excited at 337 or 347.4 nm was used to monitor the CH2CHO concentration. The reaction proceeded via reversible complex formation with subsequent isomerization and fast decomposition: CH2CHO + O2 <= => O2CH2CHO --> HO2CH2CO --> products. The rate coefficients for the first and second steps were determined (k1, k-1, k2) and analyzed by a master equation with specific rate coefficients from the Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory. Molecular and transition-state parameters were obtained from quantum chemical calculations. A third-law analysis led to the following thermodynamic parameters for the first step: Delta(R)S degrees 300K(1) = -144 J K(-1) mol(-1) (1 bar) and Delta(R)H degrees 300K(1) = (-101 +/- 4) kJ mol(-1). From the falloff analysis, the following temperature dependencies for the low- and high-pressure limiting rate coefficients were obtained: k1(0) = 5.14 x 10(-14) exp(210 K/T) cm(-3) s(-1); k1(infinity) = 1.7 x 10(-12) exp(-520 K/T) cm(-3) s(-1); and k2(infinity) = 1.3 x 10(12) exp[-(82 +/- 4) kJ mol(-1)/RT] s(-1). Readily applicable analytical representations for the pressure and temperature dependence of k1 were derived to be used in kinetic modeling.