Mediated Inner-Sphere Electron Transfer Induces Homogeneous Reduction of CO2 via Through-Space Electronic Conjugation**

The electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ is an appealing method for converting renewable energy sources into value-added chemical feedstocks. We report a co-electrocatalytic system for the reduction of CO₂ to CO comprised of a molecular Cr complex and dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide (DBTD) as a redox mediator, which achieves high activity (TOF=1.51–2.84×10⁵ s^?1) and quantitative selectivity. Under aprotic or protic conditions, DBTD produces a co-electrocatalytic response with 1 by coordinating trans to the site of CO₂ binding and mediating electron transfer from the electrode with quantitative efficiency for CO. This assembly is reliant on through-space electronic conjugation between the π frameworks of DBTD and the bpy fragment of the catalyst ligand, with contributions from dispersive interactions and weak sulfone coordination.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Tetraosmium Carbonyl Complexes Containing a Bridging CO2 Ligand

Treatment of (thd)H (thd=2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptandionate) with excess Os₃(CO)₁₂ in an autoclave at 180°C gives the formation of a brown metal chain complex [Os₂(CO)₅(thd)₂]₂ (1) and a yellow CO₂ cluster complex [Os₄(-H)(-CO₂)(thd)(CO)₁₃] (2) in low yields. Complex 2 was fully identified by a combination of spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction study, showing a unique CO₂ ligand bridging a triosmium metal fragment, Os₃(-H)(CO)₁₀ and a monometallic osmium fragment, Os(CO)₃(thd). Upon treatment of 1 with Me₃NO at an elevated temperature, oxidation of the CO ligand occurred at the position trans to the unique CO₂ ligand on the Os(CO)₃(thd) fragment, giving the formation of a second CO₂ cluster [Os₄(-H)(-CO₂)(thd)(CO)₁₂(NCMe)] (3), which is stabilized by a weakly coordinated acetonitrile molecule.     

Tuning the Selectivity of Catalytic Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation over Iridium/Cerium Oxide Catalysts with a Strong Metal–Support Interaction

A one‐step ligand‐free method based on an adsorption–precipitation process was developed to fabricate iridium/cerium oxide (Ir/CeO₂) nanocatalysts. Ir species demonstrated a strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) with the CeO₂ substrate. The chemical state of Ir could be finely tuned by altering the loading of the metal. In the carbon dioxide (CO₂) hydrogenation reaction it was shown that the chemical state of Ir species—induced by a SMSI—has a major impact on the reaction selectivity. Direct evidence is provided indicating that a single‐site catalyst is not a prerequisite for inhibition of methanation and sole production of carbon monoxide (CO) in CO₂ hydrogenation. Instead, modulation of the chemical state of metal species by a strong metal–support interaction is more important for regulation of the observed selectivity (metallic Ir particles select for methane while partially oxidized Ir species select for CO production). The study provides insight into heterogeneous catalysts at nano, sub‐nano, and atomic scales.     

Insertion Reactions of [ReH(CO)5–n(PMe3)n] Complexes (n = 2–4) with aldehydes,CO2, and activated acetylenes

The complexes of the type [ReH(CO)_5–n(PMe₃)_n] (n = 4, 3) were reacted with aldehydes, CO₂, and RC?CCOOMe (R = H, Me) to establish a phosphine-substitutional effect on the reactivity of the Re–H bond. In the series 1–3 , benzaldehyde showed conversion with only 3 to afford a (benzyloxy)carbonyltetrakis(trimethylphosphine)rhenium complex 4 . Pyridine-2-carbaldehyde allowed reaction with all hydrides 1–3 . With 1 and 2 , the same dicarbonyl[(pyridin-2-yl)methoxy-O, N]bis(trimethylphosphine)rhenium 5b was formed with the intermediacy of a [(pyridin-2-yl)methoxy-O]-ligated species and extrusion of CO or PMe₃, respectively. The analogous conversion of 3 afforded the carbonyl[(pyridin-2-yl)methoxy-O,N]tris(trimethylphosphine)rhenium ( 1 ) 7b . While 1 did not react with CO₂, 2 and 3 yielded under relatively mild conditions the formato-ligated [Re(HCO₂)(CO)(L)(PMe₃)₃] species ( 8 (L = CO) and 9 (L = PMe₃)). Methyl propiolate and methyl butynoate were transformed, in the presence of 1 , to [Re{C(CO₂Me)?CHR}(CO)₃(PMe₃)₂] systems ( 10a (R = H), and 10b (R = Me)), with prevailing α-metallation and trans-insertion stereochemistry. Similarly, HC≡CCO₂Me afforded with 2 and 3 , the α-metallation products [Re{C(CO₂Me)?CH₂}(CO)(L)(PMe₃)₃] 11 (L = CO) and 12 (L = PMe₃). The methyl butyonate insertion into 2 resulted in formation of a mixture of the (Z)- and (E)-isomers of [Re{C(CO₂Me)?CHMe} (CO)₂(PMe₃)₃] ( 13a , b ). In the case of the conversion of 3 with MeC?CCO₂Me, a Re–H cis-addition product [Re{(E)-C(CO₂Me)?CHMe}(CO)(PMe₃)₄] ( 14 ) was selectively obtained. Complex 11 was characterized by an X-ray crystal-structure analysis.     

Heterodinuclear Mg(II)M(II) (M=Cr,Mn, Fe,Co, Ni,Cu and Zn) Complexes for the Ring Opening Copolymerization of Carbon Dioxide/Epoxide and Anhydride/Epoxide

The catalysed ring opening copolymerizations (ROCOP) of carbon dioxide/epoxide or anhydride/epoxide are controlled polymerizations that access useful polycarbonates and polyesters. Here, a systematic investigation of a series of heterodinuclear Mg(II)M(II) complexes reveals which metal combinations are most effective. The complexes combine different first row transition metals (M(II)) from Cr(II) to Zn(II), with Mg(II); all complexes are coordinated by the same macrocyclic ancillary ligand and by two acetate co-ligands. The complex syntheses and characterization data, as well as the polymerization data, for both carbon dioxide/cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and endo-norbornene anhydride (NA)/cyclohexene oxide, are reported. The fastest catalyst for both polymerizations is Mg(II)Co(II) which shows propagation rate constants (k_p) of 34.7 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ (CO₂) and 75.3 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ (NA) (100 °C). The Mg(II)Fe(II) catalyst also shows excellent performances with equivalent rates for CO₂/CHO ROCOP (k_p=34.7 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹) and may be preferable in terms of metallic abundance, low cost and low toxicity. Polymerization kinetics analyses reveal that the two lead catalysts show overall second order rate laws, with zeroth order dependencies in CO₂ or anhydride concentrations and first order dependencies in both catalyst and epoxide concentrations. Compared to the homodinuclear Mg(II)Mg(II) complex, nearly all the transition metal heterodinuclear complexes show synergic rate enhancements whilst maintaining high selectivity and polymerization control. These findings are relevant to the future design and optimization of copolymerization catalysts and should stimulate broader investigations of synergic heterodinuclear main group/transition metal catalysts.     

A Highly Active N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Manganese(I) Complex for Selective Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to CO

We report here the first purely organometallic fac‐[Mn^I(CO)₃(bis‐^MeNHC)Br] complex with unprecedented activity for the selective electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to CO, exceeding 100 turnovers with excellent faradaic yields (η_CO≈95 %) in anhydrous CH₃CN. Under the same conditions, a maximum turnover frequency (TOF_max) of 2100 s^?1 was measured by cyclic voltammetry, which clearly exceeds the values reported for other manganese‐based catalysts. Moreover, the addition of water leads to the highest TOF_max value (ca. 320 000 s^?1) ever reported for a manganese‐based catalyst. A Mn^I tetracarbonyl intermediate was detected under catalytic conditions for the first time.     

Octacarbonyl Anion Complexes of Group Three Transition Metals [TM(CO)8]− (TM=Sc,Y, La) and the 18‐Electron Rule

We report the gas‐phase synthesis of stable 20‐electron carbonyl anion complexes of group 3 transition metals, TM(CO)₈^? (TM=Sc, Y, La), which are studied by mass‐selected infrared (IR) photodissociation spectroscopy. The experimentally observed species, which are the first octacarbonyl anionic complexes of a TM, are identified by comparison of the measured and calculated IR spectra. Quantum chemical calculations show that the molecules have a cubic (O_h) equilibrium geometry and a singlet (¹A_1g) electronic ground state. The 20‐electron systems TM(CO)₈^? are energetically stable toward loss of one CO ligand, yielding the 18‐electron complexes TM(CO)₇^? in the ¹A₁ electronic ground state; these exhibit a capped octahedral structure with C_3v symmetry. Analysis of the electronic structure of TM(CO)₈^? reveals that there is one occupied valence molecular orbital with a_2u symmetry, which is formed only by ligand orbitals without a contribution from the metal atomic orbitals. The adducts of TM(CO)₈^? fulfill the 18‐electron rule when only those valence electrons that occupy metal–ligand bonding orbitals are considered.     

Octacarbonyl Anion Complexes of Group Three Transition Metals [TM(CO)8]− (TM=Sc,Y, La) and the 18‐Electron Rule

We report the gas‐phase synthesis of stable 20‐electron carbonyl anion complexes of group 3 transition metals, TM(CO)₈⁻ (TM=Sc, Y, La), which are studied by mass‐selected infrared (IR) photodissociation spectroscopy. The experimentally observed species, which are the first octacarbonyl anionic complexes of a TM, are identified by comparison of the measured and calculated IR spectra. Quantum chemical calculations show that the molecules have a cubic (O_h) equilibrium geometry and a singlet (¹A_1g) electronic ground state. The 20‐electron systems TM(CO)₈⁻ are energetically stable toward loss of one CO ligand, yielding the 18‐electron complexes TM(CO)₇⁻ in the ¹A₁ electronic ground state; these exhibit a capped octahedral structure with C_3v symmetry. Analysis of the electronic structure of TM(CO)₈⁻ reveals that there is one occupied valence molecular orbital with a_2u symmetry, which is formed only by ligand orbitals without a contribution from the metal atomic orbitals. The adducts of TM(CO)₈⁻ fulfill the 18‐electron rule when only those valence electrons that occupy metal–ligand bonding orbitals are considered.     

Transition‐Metal Complexes [(PMe3)2Cl2M(E)] and [(PMe3)2(CO)2M(E)] with Naked Group 14 Atoms (E=C–Sn) as Ligands; Part 2: Complexation with W(CO)5

Density functional calculations at the BP86/TZ2P level were carried out to understand the ligand properties of the 16‐valence‐electron(VE) Group 14 complexes [(PMe₃)₂Cl₂M(E)] ( 1ME ) and the 18‐VE Group 14 complexes [(PMe₃)₂(CO)₂M(E)] ( 2ME ; M=Fe, Ru, Os; E=C, Si, Ge, Sn) in complexation with W(CO)₅. Calculations were also carried out for the complexes (CO)₅W–EO. The complexes [(PMe₃)₂Cl₂M(E)] and [(PMe₃)₂(CO)₂M(E)] bind strongly to W(CO)₅ yielding the adducts 1ME–W(CO)₅ and 2ME–W(CO)₅ , which have C_2v equilibrium geometries. The bond strengths of the heavier Group 14 ligands 1ME (E=Si–Sn) are uniformly larger, by about 6–7 kcal mol^?1, than those of the respective EO ligand in (CO)₅W‐EO, while the carbon complexes 1MC–W(CO)₅ have comparable bond dissociation energies (BDE) to CO. The heavier 18‐VE ligands 2ME (E=Si–Sn) are about 23–25 kcal mol^?1 more strongly bonded than the associated EO ligand, while the BDE of 2MC is about 17–21 kcal mol^?1 larger than that of CO. Analysis of the bonding with an energy‐decomposition scheme reveals that 1ME is isolobal with EO and that the nature of the bonding in 1ME–W(CO)₅ is very similar to that in (CO)₅W–EO. The ligands 1ME are slightly weaker π acceptors than EO while the π‐acceptor strength of 2ME is even lower.     

Structural parameters of the ground states of the quasi‐stable diatomic anions CO−, BF−, and BCl− as obtained by conventional Ab Initio methods

The experimental electron affinity (EA) of CO(X¹Σ⁺) is ?1.5 eV, signifying the metastability of the CO^?(X²Π) anion. The electronic structure and bonding of CO^?, BF^?, and BCl^? vis‐à‐vis their neutral counterparts have been studied by conventional coupled‐cluster (CCSD(T)) and multireference (MRCI) methods. Our results are in agreement with experiment for the CO/CO^? system, indicating as well the metastable nature of the BF^?(X²Π) and BCl^?(X²Π) anions, their MRCI EAs being ?0.8 ± 0.1 and ?0.3 ± 0.1 eV, respectively. Our work clearly shows the usefulness of stationary state ab initio methods to the elucidation of metastable species. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Binuclear Iron(I) Complex Containing Bridging Phenanthrene‐4,5‐dithiolate Ligand: Preparation,Spectroscopy, Crystal Structure,and Electrochemistry

A diiron hexacarbonyl complex containing bridging phenanthrene‐4,5‐dithiolate ligand is prepared by oxidative addition of Phenanthro[4,5‐cde][1,2]dithiin to Fe₂(CO)₉. The complex is investigated as a model for the active site of the [Fe–Fe] hydrogenase enzyme. The compound, [(μ‐PNT)Fe₂(CO)₆]; (PNT = phenanthrene‐4,5‐dithiolate), was characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, UV/Vis and NMR) and X‐ray crystallography. The IR and proton NMR spectra of [(μ‐PNT)Fe₂(CO)₆] ( 4 ) are in agreement with a PNT ligand attached to a Fe₂(CO)₆ core. The infrared spectrum of 4 recorded in dichloromethane contains three peaks at 2001, 2040, and 2075 cm^–1 corresponding to the stretching frequency of terminal metal carbonyls. X‐ray crystallographic study unequivocally confirms the structure of the complex having a butterfly shape with an Fe–Fe bond length of 2.5365 Å close to that of the enzyme (2.6 Å). Electrochemical properties of [(μ‐PNT)Fe₂(CO)₆] have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The cyclic voltammogram of [(μ‐PNT)Fe₂(CO)₆] recorded in acetonitrile contains one quasi‐irreversible reduction (E_1/2 = –0.84 V vs. Ag/AgCl, I_pc/I_pa = 0.6, ΔE_p = 131 V at 0.1 V · s^–1) and one irreversible oxidation (E_pa = 0.86 V vs. Ag/AgCl). The redox of [(μ‐PNT)Fe₂(CO)₆] at E_1/2 = –0.84 V can be assigned to the one‐electron transfer processes; [Fe^I–Fe^I] → [Fe^I–Fe⁰] and [Fe^I–Fe⁰] → [Fe^I–Fe^I].     

Metal Microporous Aromatic Polymers with Improved Performance for Small Gas Storage

A novel metal‐doping strategy was developed for the construction of iron‐decorated microporous aromatic polymers with high small‐gas‐uptake capacities. Cost‐effective ferrocene‐functionalized microporous aromatic polymers (FMAPs) were constructed by a one‐step Friedel–Crafts reaction of ferrocene and s‐triazine monomers. The introduction of ferrocene endows the microporous polymers with a regular and homogenous dispersion of iron, which avoids the slow reunion that is usually encountered in previously reported metal‐doping procedures, permitting a strong interaction between the porous solid and guest gases. Compared to ferrocene‐free analogues, FMAP‐1, which has a moderate BET surface area, shows good gas‐adsorption capabilities for H₂ (1.75 wt % at 77 K/1.0 bar), CH₄ (5.5 wt % at 298 K/25.0 bar), and CO₂ (16.9 wt % at 273 K/1.0 bar), as well as a remarkably high ideal adsorbed solution theory CO₂/N₂ selectivity (107 v/v at 273 K/(0–1.0) bar), and high isosteric heats of adsorption of H₂ (16.9 kJ mol^?1) and CO₂ (41.6 kJ mol^?1).     

Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction under Visible-Light Irradiation by Ruthenium CNC Pincer Complexes

Photocatalytic CO₂ reduction using a ruthenium photosensitizer, a sacrificial reagent 1,3-dimethyl-2-(o-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (BI(OH)H), and a ruthenium catalyst were carried out. The catalysts contain a pincer ligand, 2,6-bis(alkylimidazol-2-ylidene)pyridine (CNC) and a bipyridine (bpy). The photocatalytic reaction system resulted in HCOOH as a main product (selectivity 70–80 %), with a small amount of CO, and H₂. Comparative experiments (a coordinated ligand (NCMe vs. CO) and substituents (tBu vs. Me) of the CNC ligand in the catalyst) were performed. The turnover number (TON_HCOOH) of carbonyl-ligated catalysts are higher than those of acetonitrile-ligated catalysts, and the carbonyl catalyst with the smaller substituents (Me) reached TON_HCOOH=5634 (24 h), which is the best performance among the experiments.     

Quinobis(imidazolylidene): Synthesis and Study of an Electron‐Configurable Bis(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) and Its Bimetallic Complexes

Reaction of bromanil with N,N′‐dimesitylformamidine followed by deprotonation with NaN(SiMe₃)₂ afforded 1,1′,3,3′‐tetramesitylquinobis(imidazolylidene) ( 1 ), a bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) (NHC) with two NHC moieties connected by a redox active p‐quinone residue, in 72 % yield of isolated compound. Bimetallic complexes of 1 were prepared by coupling to FcN₃ ( 2 ) or FcNCS ( 3 ; Fc=ferrocenyl) or coordination to [M(cod)Cl] ( 4 a or 4 b , where M=Rh or Ir, respectively; cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene). Treatment of 4 a and 4 b with excess CO(g) afforded the corresponding [M(CO)₂Cl] complexes 5 a and 5 b , respectively. Analysis of 2 – 5 by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction indicated that the electron‐deficient quinone did not significantly affect the inherent spectral properties or coordination chemistry of the flanking imidazolylidene units, as compared to analogous NHCs. Infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry revealed that decreasing the electron density at ML_n afforded an increase in the stretching energy and a decrease in the reduction potential of the quinone, indicative of metal–quinone electronic interaction. Differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry of the metal‐centered oxidations in 2 – 4 revealed two single, one‐electron peaks. Thus, the metal atoms bound to 1 are oxidized at indistinguishable potentials and do not appear electronically coupled. However, the metal–quinone interaction was used to increase the electron density at coordinated metal atoms. Infrared spectroelectrochemistry revealed that the average ν_CO values for 5 a and 5 b decreased by 14 and 15 cm^?1, respectively, upon reduction of the quinone embedded within 1 . These shifts correspond to 10 and 12 cm^?1 decreases in the Tolman electronic parameter of this ditopic ligand.     

Palladium‐, Platin‐ und Dieisenkomplexe mit Isocyanacetat: Ringschluß, säureinduzierte Ringöffnung,Diprotonierung

Palladium, Platinum, and Diiron Complexes with Isocyanoacetate: Ring Closure, Acid‐Induced Ring Opening, Diprotonation Substitution by isocyanoacetate (CNCH₂CO₂^?) of one chloro ligand in trans‐[MCl₂(PPh₃)₂] (M = Pd, Pt) results in the Δ²‐oxazolin‐5‐on‐2‐ato complexes 4a , b , i.e. immediate cyclization occurs in contact with these metal(II) species. In contrast, the open‐chain form of the functional isocyanide is retained in [K(18‐crown‐6][Fe₂Cp₂(CNCH₂CO₂)(CO)₃] ( 16 ) in which it occupies a terminal position. Protonation (alkylation) of the platinum complex 4b proceeds with ring cleavage and formation of isocyano acetic acid 11 (ethyl isocyanoacetate 12 ) stabilized by metal ion coordination. Protonation of 16 requires two equivalents of acid to yield the aminocarbyne‐bridged complex [{μ‐C=N(H)CH₂CO₂H}Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₃](BF₄) ( 17 ) as the only isolable product. Here isocyanoacetate displays a third kind of reactivity pattern in addition to that at Pd^II/Pt^II and that at Cr⁰/W⁰ where the primary species [M(CO)₅CNCH₂CO₂]^? and [M(CO)₅CNCH₂CO₂H] proved to be the most stable. All of the proposed structures are substantiated by analytical and the usual spectroscopic (IR, NMR{¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P}, FAB‐MS) data, that of 4b also by an X‐ray structure determination which reveals a practically perpendicular arrangement of the coordination and the ring plane, and a long C2‐O bond as the predetermined breaking point of the heterocycle.     

Microporous La–Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) with Large Surface Area

A microporous La–metal‐organic framework (MOF) has been synthesized by the reaction of La(NO₃)₃ ? 6 H₂O with a ligand 4,4′,4′′‐s‐triazine‐1,3,5‐triyltri‐p‐aminobenzoate (TATAB) featuring three carboxylate groups. Crystal structure analysis confirms the formation of 3D MOF with hexagonal micropores, a Brunauer–Emmett—Teller (BET) surface area of 1074 m² g^?1 and high thermal and chemical stability. The CO₂ adsorption capacities are 76.8 cm³ g^?1 at 273 K and 34.6 cm³ g^?1 at 293 K, a highest measured CO₂ uptake for a Ln–MOFs.     

Insights into the Cascade Reaction of CO and Heteroallenes Mediated by Dinitrogen Hafnocene Complexes: The Indirect Effect of Nitride's Nucleophilicity

A DFT mechanistic exploration of the reactivity of the dinitrogen hafnocene complex, [{(η⁵‐C₅H₂‐1,2,4‐Me₃)₂Hf}₂(μ₂‐N₂)], towards mixtures of CO/CO₂ and CO/OCNtBu is reported. The crucial role of the nitride intermediate is highlighted, as well as the importance of the bridging mode of the cyanate ligand between the two Hf metal atoms throughout the process. Interestingly, the CO₂ addition to the nitride intermediate occurs through an outer‐sphere transition state, whereas the addition of the heteroallene is governed by the steric congestion imposed by cyclopentadienyl ligands.     

Photogeneration of Carbon Monoxide and of Hydrogen via Simultaneous Photochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide and Water by Visible-Light Irradiation of Organic Solutions Containing Tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) and Cobalt(II) Species as Homogeneous Catalysts

CO and H₂ are photogenerated simultaneously by visible-light irradiation of systems containing a photosensitizer, the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ complex, Co(II) species as homogeneous catalysts, which mediate CO₂ and H₂O reduction by intermediate formation of Co(I), a tertiary amine as electron donor, which provides the electrons for the reduction, and an organic solvent which also facilitates dissolution of CO₂. The efficiency of (CO + H₂) gas production and the selectivity CO/H₂ markedly depend upon the composition of the medium, the nature of the tertiary amine, the solvent, and the ligand of the Co ions. 2,9-Dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline is particularly effective in promoting CO and H₂ formation, giving a quantum yield of 7.7% in (CO + H₂) (1.2% for CO and 6.5% for H₂). The process consists of two catalytic cycles: a photocatalytic cycle for the Ru complex and a double dark reaction pathway for the Co species; oxidative and/or reductive quenching of the excited state of the photosensitizer lead to the formation of Co(I) species which reduce either CO₂ or H₂O to CO or H₂, respectively.     

Carbon-13 isotope enrichment in the photolysis of CO with the 123.58 nm Kr resonance radiation

The 123.58 nm Kr resonance radiation was shown to excite selectively the ¹³CO(A ¹Π-X¹Σ⁺) 13,0 transition in natural isotopic composition CO. The photolysis products, CO₂ andC₃O₂, were enriched in carbon-13. Carbon dioxide was enriched ten-fold and the central carbon of C₃O₂ was enriched sixty-fold.     

Theoretical and experimental studies of the diketene system: Product branching decomposition rate constants and energetics of isomers

The kinetics and mechanism for the thermal decomposition of diketene have been studied in the temperature range 510–603 K using highly diluted mixtures with Ar as a diluent. The concentrations of diketene, ketene, and CO₂ were measured by FTIR spectrometry using calibrated standard mixtures. Two reaction channels were identified. The rate constants for the formation of ketene (k₁) and CO₂ (k₂) have been determined and compared with the values predicted by the Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) theory for the branching reaction. The first-order rate constants, k₁ (s⁻¹) = 10^{15.74 ± 0.72} exp(−49.29 (kcal mol⁻¹) (±1.84)/RT) and k₂ (s⁻¹) = 10^{14.65 ± 0.87} exp(−49.01 (kcal mol⁻¹) (±2.22)/RT); the bulk of experimental data agree well with predicted results. The heats of formation of ketene, diketene, cyclobuta-1,3-dione, and cyclobuta-1,2-dione at 298 K computed from the G2M scheme are −11.1, −45.3, −43.6, and −40.3 kcal mol⁻¹, respectively. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 39: 580–590, 2007