High-temperature collisional energy transfer in highly vibrationally excited molecules II: Isotope effects in isopropyl bromide systems

Values for 〈ΔE_down〉, the average downward energy transferred from the reactant to the bath gas upon collision, have been obtained for highly vibrationally excited undeuterated and per-deuterated isopropyl bromide with the bath gases Ne, Xe, C₂H₄, and C₂D₄, at ca. 870 K. The technique of pressure-dependent very low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP) was used to obtain the data. For C₃H₇Br, the 〈ΔE_down〉 values (cm^?1) are 490 (Ne), 540 (Xe), 820 (C₂H₄), and 740 (C₂D₄), and for C₃D₇Br, 440 (Ne), 570 (Xe), 730 (C₂H₄), and 810 (C₂D₄). The uncertainties in these values are ca. ±10%. The 〈ΔE_down〉 values for the inert bath gases Ne and Xe show excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions of the semi-empirical biased random walk model for monatomic/substrate collisional energy exchange [J. Chem. Phys., 80 , 5501 (1984)]. The relative effects of deuteration of the reactant molecule on 〈ΔE_down〉 also compare favorably with the predictions of this theoretical model. Extrapolated high-pressure rate coefficients (s^?1) for the thermal decomposition of reactant are 10^13.6±0.3 exp(?200 ± 8 kJ mol^?1/RT) for C₃H₇Br and 10^13.9±0.3 exp(?207 ± 8 kJ mol^±1/RT) for C₃D₇Br, which are consistent with previous studies and the expected isotope effect.     

High temperature collisional energy transfer in highly vibrationally excited molecules. III: Isotope effects in tert-butyl bromide systems

Changes in the magnitude of 〈ΔE_down〉, the average downward collisional energy transferred between a highly vibrationally excited reactant molecule and an inert bath gas, upon perdeuteration of the substrate are reported for tert-butyl bromide dilute in Ar, Kr, N₂, and CO₂. The technique of pressure-dependent very low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP) was used to obtain the absolute values of 〈ΔE_down〉, which are for C₄H₉Br, 230 (Ar), 285 (Kr), 270 (N₂), and 365 (CO₂) while for C₄D₉Br, 200 (Ar), 250 (Kr), 220 (N₂), and 335 (CO₂), all in cm^?1 at ca. 720 K. The estimated uncertainties in these values are ca. ± 10%. These observed 〈ΔE_down〉, values and trends found with results from this series of isotope studies, are compared with current theoretical models. Extrapolated high-pressure temperature-dependent rate coefficients (s^?1) for the thermal decomposition of reactant are 10^13.8±0.3 exp(?175 ± 8 kJ mol^?1/RT) for C₄H₉Br and 10^14.3±0.3 exp(?183 ± 8 kJ mol^?1/RT) for C₄D₉Br. These results are in accord with other studies and the expected isotope effect.     

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

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

Sequential segregation of Sn and Sb in a Cu(111) single crystal

The sequential segregation of Sn and Sb to the surface of a Cu(111) single crystal was measured in the temperature range 400–1100 K by Auger electron spectroscopy. It was found that Sn with the higher diffusion coefficient first segregates to the surface and then is replaced by the slower‐segregating Sb. The results were fitted by a ternary segregation model yielding segregation energies (ΔG_Sn = 76.3 kJ mol^?1, ΔG_Sb = 95.9 kJ mol^?1), interaction parameters (Ω_SnCu = 3.8 kJ mol^?1, Ω_SbCu = 16.2 kJ mol^?1, Ω_SnSb = ?5.3 kJ mol^?1) and diffusion coefficients (D_0(Sn) = 1.8 × 10^?5 m² s^?1, E_Sn = 173 kJ mol^?1, D_0(Sb) = 6.0 × 10^?5 m² s^?1, E_Sb = 205 kJ mol^?1) for both species. The validity of the interaction coefficients and segregation energies was verified using the Guttman equations for equilibrium segregation in ternary systems. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

High-level computational study on the thermochemistry of saturated and unsaturated three- and four-membered nitrogen and phosphorus rings

The heats of formation and strain energies for saturated and unsaturated three- and four-membered nitrogen and phosphorus rings have been calculated using G2 theory. G2 heats of formation (ΔH_f298) of triaziridine [(NH)₃], triazirine (N₃H), tetrazetidine [(NH)₄], and tetrazetine (N₄H₂) are 405.0, 453.7, 522.5, and 514.1 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. Tetrazetidine is unstable (121.5 kJ mol⁻¹ at 298 K) with respect to its dissociation into two trans-diazene (N₂H₂) molecules. The dissociation of tetrazetine into molecular nitrogen and trans-diazene is highly exothermic (ΔH₂₉₈ = −308.3 kJ mol⁻¹ calculated using G2 theory). G2 heats of formation (ΔH_f298) of cyclotriphosphane [(PH)₃], cyclotriphosphene (P₃H), cyclotetraphosphane [(PH)₄], and cyclotetraphosphene (P₄H₂) are 80.7, 167.2, 102.7, and 170.7 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. Cyclotetraphosphane and cyclotetraphosphene are stabilized by 145.8 and 101.2 kJ mol⁻¹ relative to their dissociations into two diphosphene molecules or into diphosphene (HP(DOUBLE BOND)PH) and diphosphorus (P₂), respectively. The strain energies of triaziridine [(NH)₃], triazirine (N₃H), tetrazetidine [(NH)₄], and tetrazetine (N₄H₂) were calculated to be 115.0, 198.3, 135.8, and 162.0 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively (at 298 K). While the strain energies of the nitrogen three-membered rings in triaziridine and triazirine are smaller than the strain energies of cyclopropane (117.4 kJ mol⁻¹) and cyclopropene (232.2 kJ mol⁻¹), the strain energies of the nitrogen four-membered rings in tetrazetidine and tetrazetine are larger than those of cyclobutane (110.2 kJ mol⁻¹) and cyclobutene (132.0 kJ mol⁻¹). In contrast to higher strain in cyclopropane as compared with cyclobutane, triaziridine is less strained than tetrazetidine. The strain energies of cyclotriphosphane [(PH)₃, 21.8 kJ mol⁻¹], cyclotriphosphene (P₃H, 34.6 kJ mol⁻¹), cyclotetraphosphane [(PH)₄, 24.1 kJ mol⁻¹], and cyclotetraphosphene (P₄H₂, 18.5 kJ mol⁻¹), calculated at the G2 level are considerably smaller than those of their carbon and nitrogen analog. Cyclotetraphosphene containing the P(DOUBLE BOND)P double bond is less strained than cyclotetraphosphane, in sharp contrast to the ratio between the strain energies for the analogous unsaturated and saturated carbon and nitrogen rings. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 62 : 373–384, 1997     

Kinetics of the thermal unimolecular decomposition of hex-1-ene-3-yne. Heat of formation and resonance stabilization energy of the 3-ethenylpropargyl radical

The thermal unimolecular decomposition of hex-1-ene-3-yne (HEY) has been investigated over the temperature range 949–1230 K using the technique of very low-pressure pyrolysis (VLPP). One reaction pathway is the expected C₅? C₆ bond fission to form the resonance-stabilized 3-ethenylpropargyl radical. There is a concurrent process producing molecular hydrogen which probably occurs via the intermediate formation of hexatrienes and cyclohexa-1,3-diene. RRKM calculations yield the extrapolated high-pressure rate parameters at 1100 K given by the expressions 10^16.0±0.3 exp(?300.4 ± 12.6 kJ mol^?1/RT) s^?1 for bond fission and 10^13.2+0.4 exp(?247.7 ± 8.4 kJ mol^?1/RT) for the overall formation of hydrogen. The A factors were assigned from the results of previous studies of related alkynes, alkenes, and alkadienes. The activation energy for the bond fission reaction leads to ΔH [H₂CCHCC?H₂] = 391.9, DH [H₂CCHCCCH₂? H] = 363.3, and a resonance stabilization energy of 56.9 ± 14.0 kJ mol^?1 for the 3-ethenylpropargyl radical, based on a value of 420.2 kJ mol^?1 for the primary C? H bond dissociation energy in alkanes. Comparison with the revised value of 46.6 kJ mol^?1 for the resonance energy of the unsubstituted propargyl radical indicates that the ethenyl substituent (CH₂?CH) on the terminal carbon atom has only a small effect on the propargyl resonance energy. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The retro-aldol mechanism in the pyrolysis kinetics of primary,secondary, and tertiary β-hydroxy ketones in the gas phase

The pyrolysis kinetics of primary, secondary, and tertiary β-hydroxy ketones have been studied in static seasoned vessels over the pressure range of 21–152 torr and the temperature range of 190°–260°C. These eliminations are homogeneous, unimolecular, and follow a first-order rate law. The rate coefficients are expressed by the following equations: for 1-hydroxy-3-butanone, log k₁(s^?1) = (12.18 ± 0.39) ? (150.0 ± 3.9) kJ mol^?1 (2.303RT)^?1; for 4-hydroxy-2-pentanone, log k₁(s^?1) = (11.64 ± 0.28) ? (142.1 ± 2.7) kJ mol^?1 (2.303RT)^?1; and for 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, log k₁(s^?1) = (11.36 ± 0.52) ? (133.4 ± 4.9) kJ mol^?1 (2.303RT)^?1. The acid nature of the hydroxyl hydrogen is not determinant in rate enhancement, but important in assistance during elimination. However, methyl substitution at the hydroxyl carbon causes a small but significant increase in rates and, thus, appears to be the limiting factor in a retroaldol type of mechanism in these decompositions. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Pyrolysis of vinylacetylene between 300 and 450°C

Vinylacetylene was pyrolyzed at 300–450°C in a packed and an unpacked static reactor with a pinhole bleed to a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The reactant and C₈H₈ products were monitored continuously during a reaction by mass spectrometry. In some runs, the products were also analyzed by gas chromatography after the run. In these runs CH₄, C₂H₆, C₃H₆, and C₂H₄ were also detected. The reaction for vinylacetylene removal and C₈H₈ formation is homogeneous, second order in reactant, and independent of the presence of a large excess of N₂ or He. However, C₈H₈ formation is about half-suppressed by the addition of the free-radical scavengers NO or O₂. The rate coefficient for total vinylacetylene removal is 1.7 × 10⁶ exp(?79 ± 13 kJ/mol RT) L/mol · s. The major reaction for C₄H₄ removal is polymerization. In addition four C₈H₈ isomers, carbon, and small hydrocarbons are formed. The three major C₈H₈ isomers are styrene, cyclooctatetraene (COT), and 1,5? dihydropentalene (DHP). The C₈H₈ compounds are formed by both molecular and free-radical processes in a second-order process with an overall k ? 3 × 10⁸ exp(?122 kJ/mol RT) L/mol · s (average of packed and unpacked cell results). The molecular process occurs with an overall k = 8.5 × 10⁷ exp (?118 kJ/mol RT) L/mol · s. The COT, DHP, and an unidentified isomer (d), are formed exclusively in molecular processes with respective rate coefficients of 4.4 × 10⁴ exp(?77 kJ/mol RT), 1.7 × 10⁵ exp(?89 kJ/mol RT), and 3.1 × 10⁹ exp(? 148 kJ/mol RT) L/mol · s. The styrene is formed both by a direct free-radical process and by isomerization of COT.     

Activation energy of thermal decomposition of fully dehydrated NdC2O4Cl·3H2O to NdOCl

An activation energyE _a=195 kJ mol^?1 has been determined for the thermal decomposition of NdC₂O₄Cl to NdOCl with simultaneous expulsion of CO and CO₂. As compared with the value (127 kJ mol^?1) predicted by the Kahwa-Mulokozi empirical expression (i) for Ln₂(C₂O₄)₃ (Ln=light lanthanide), the presence of Cl^? in the coordination polyhedron appreciably raises the activation energy, which is consistent with a corresponding increase in the covalent strength of the Ln-oxalate bond. The same conclusion regarding the strength of this bond is drawn from a study of the infrared spectrum. Mechanistically, the breaking of the Ln-oxalate bond is suggested to occur in the kinetic ratedetermining step.     

Theoretical study of the structure and unimolecular decomposition pathways of ethyloxonium, [CH3CH2OH2]+

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations with split-valence plus polarization basis sets and incorporating valence-electron correlation have been performed to determine the equilibrium structure of ethyloxonium ([CH₃CH₂OH₂]⁺) and examine its modes of unimolecular dissociation. An asymmetric structure (1) is predicted to be the most stable form of ethyloxonium, but a second conformational isomer of C_s symmetry lies only 1.4 kJ mol^?1 higher in energy than 1. Four unimolecular decomposition pathways for 1 have been examined involving loss of H₂, CH₄, H₂O or C₂H₄. The most stable fragmentation products, lying 65 kJ mol^?1 above 1, are associated with the H₂ elimination reaction. However, large barriers of 257 and 223 kJ mol^?1 have to be surmounted for H₂ and CH₄ loss, respectively. On the other hand, elimination of either C₂H₄ or H₂O from ethyloxonium can proceed without a barrier to the reverse associations and, with total endothermicities of 130 and 160 kJ mol^?1, respectively, these reactions are expected to dominate at lower energies. A second important equilibrium structure on the surface is a hydrogen-bridged complex, lying 53 kJ mol^?1 above 1. This complex is involved in the C₂H₄ elimination reaction, acts as an intermediate in the proton-transfer reaction connecting [C₂H₅]⁺ +H₂O and C₂H₄ + [H₃O]⁺ and plays an important role in the isotopic scrambling that has been observed experimentally in the elimination of either H₂O or C₂H₄ from ethyloxonium. The proton affinity of ethanol was calculated as 799 kJ mol^?1, in close agreement with the experimental value of 794 kJ mol^?1.     

Thermal decomposition of chlorofluoromethyl peroxynitrates

The thermal decomposition of CCl₃O₂NO₂,CCl₂FO₂NO₂, and CClF₂O₂NO₂ was studied in a temperature-controlled 420 l reaction chamber using in situ detection of peroxynitrates by long-path IR absorption. The temperature dependence of the unimolecular dissociation rate constants was determined at total pressures of 10 and 800 mbar in nitrogen as buffer gas, and the pressure dependence was measured at 273 K between 10 and 800 mbar. In Troe's notation, the data are represented by the following values for the limiting low and high pressure rate constants k₀/[N₂] and k_∞ and the fall-off curvature parameter F_c (in units of cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, s^?1): CCl₃O₂NO₂,k₀/[N₂] = 6.3 × 10^?3 exp(?85.1 kJ · mol^?1/RT), k_∞ = 4.8 × 10¹⁶ exp(?98.3 kJ · mol^?1/RT), F_c = 0.22; CCl₂FO₂NO₂, k₀/[N₂] = 1.01× 10^?2 exp(?90.3 kJ · mol^?1/RT), k_∞ = 6.6 × 10¹⁶ exp(?101.8 kJ · mol^?1/RT), F_c = 0.28; and CClF₂O₂NO₂, k₀/[N₂] = 1.80 × 10^?3 exp(?87.3 kJ · mol^?1/RT), k_∞ = 1.60 × 10¹⁶exp(?99.7 kJ · mol^?1/RT), F_c = 0.30. From these dissociation rate constants and recently measured rate constants for the reverse reaction (see Caralp, Lesclaux, Rayez, Rayez, and Forst [19]), bond energies (=ΔH) of 100, 103, and 104 kJ/mol were derived for the RO₂–NO₂ bonds in CCl₃O₂NO₂, CCl₂FO₂NO₂, and CClF₂O₂NO₂, respectively. The kinetic and thermochemical parameters of these decomposition reactions are compared with those of the dissociation of other peroxynitrates. Atmospheric implications of the thermal stability of chlorofluoromethyl peroxynitrates are briefly discussed.     

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

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

MNDO study of fragmentations in mass spectrometry. Part I. The geometry and electron structure of [C3H6O] + ˙ systems and [C2H3O]+ ions

MNDO calculations of [C₃H₆O]^{+ ˙} predict the parallel existence of both structures of radical cations of acetone (1) and propen-2-ol (2) in electron ionization spectra. The calculated heats of formation of 1^{+ ˙} (ΔH_f^MNDO = 783.2 kj mol^?1) and of 2^{+ ˙} (ΔH_f^MNDO = 649.8 kJ mol^?1) are in very good agreement with the experimental results. A comparison with the results of ab initio calculations (3–21 G and 6–31 G) and experimental data for the individual structures of the main fragment [C₂H₃O]⁺ demonstrates a sufficient accuracy of MNDO results, suggesting the possibility of applying the method also in other cationic systems, especially in larger ones.     

Synthesis,structure, and kinetic studies on [RuCl2(NCCH3)2(cod)]

[RuCl₂(NCCH₃)₂(cod)], an alternative starting material to [RuCl₂(cod)] _n for the preparation of ruthenium(II) complexes, has been prepared from the polymer compound and isolated in yields up to 87% using a new work-up procedure. The compound has been obtained as a yellow solid without water of crystallization. The complexes [RuCl₂(NCR)₂(cod)] spontaneously transform into dimers [Ru₂Cl(μ-Cl)₃(cod)₂(NCR)] (R?=?Me, Ph). ¹H NMR kinetic experiments for these transformations evidenced first-order behavior. [RuCl₂(NCPh)₂(cod)] dimerizes slower by a factor of ten than [RuCl₂(NCCH₃)₂(cod)]. The following activation parameters, ΔH ^#?=?114?±?3?kJ?mol^?1 and ΔS ^#?=?66?±?9?J?K^?1?mol^?1 for R?=?CH₃CN (ΔG ^#?=?94?±?5?kJ?mol^?1, 298.15?K) and ΔH ^#?=?122?±?2?kJ?mol^?1 and ΔS ^#?=?75?±?6?J?K^?1?mol^?1 for R?=?Ph (ΔG ^#?=?100?±?4?kJ?mol^?1, 298.15?K), have been calculated from the first-order rate constants in the temperature range 294–323?K. The kinetic parameters are in agreement with a two-step mechanism with dissociation of acetonitrile as the rate-determining step. The molecular structures of [Ru₂Cl(μ-Cl)₃(cod)₂(NCR)] (R?=?Me, Ph) have been determined by X-ray diffraction.     

A photoionization study of [C4H7]+ ions in the gas phase

The ionization and [C₄H₇]⁺ appearance energies for a series of C₄H₇CI and C₄H₇Br isomers have been measured by dissociative photoionization mass spectrometry. Cationic heats of formation, based on the stationary electron convention, are derived. No threshold ion is observed with a heat of formation corresponding to the trans-1-methylallyl cation, although there is evidence for formation of the less stable cis isomer. A 298 K heat of formation of 871 kJ mol^?1 is obtained for the cyclopropylcarbinyl cation, with the cyclobutyl cation having a higher value of 886 kJ mol^?1. At the HF/6-31G^** level, ab initio molecular orbital calculations show the 2-butenyl, isobutenyl and homoallyl cations to be stable forms of [C₄H₇]⁺, being less stable than the trans-1-methylallyl cation by 101 kJ mol^?1, 159 kJ mol^?1 and 164 kJ mol^?1, respectively. However, threshold formation is not observed for any of these ions, the fragmentation of appropriate precursor molecules producing [C₄H₇]⁺ ions with lower energy structures.     

Proton affinities by reactant ion monitoring: Triphenyl group Va compounds

Proton affinities of a series of triphenyl Group Va compounds have been determined by bracketing using reactant ion monitoring: (C₆H₅)₃N = 904 ± 8 kJ mol^?1, (C₆H₅)₃P = 968 ± 5 kJ mol^?1, (C₆H₅)₃As = 904 ± 8 kJ mol^?1 and (C₆H₅)₃Sb = 846 ± 8 kJ mol^?1. The large difference in substituent effect of phenyl for hydrogen between As or P and N may result from overlap of the 2p orbitals of N with the sp² orbitals on the ring carbons and lack of overlap for P or As. Proton affinities of phenylalkylphosphine oxides are essentially the same, 904 ± 8 kJ mol^?1, independent of alkyl group.     

Positive ion–molecule reactions in OCS/hydrocarbon mixtures

The positive ion–molecule reactions of OCS have been investigated in an ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer. A variety of reactions in OCS/hydrocarbon mixtures have been investigated for various C₁? C₄ hydrocarbons—alkanes, alkenes and alkynes. The formation of organosulfur ions is found in reactions in OCS/hydrocarbon (C_n) mixtures with n <4. Formation of organosulfur ions is observed from hydrocarbon ions reacting with OCS and [OCS]⁺˙ and S⁺˙ reacting with the hydrocarbons. The proton affinity of OCS has been determined to be 688.7±8 kJ mol^?1 while that of CS₂ is measured to be 712.1±8 kJ mol^?1. Comparison with the proton affinity of CO₂ shows that the proton affinity increases as sulfur is substituted for oxygen.     

Ring opening reaction of protonated polyfluorinated benzenes in the gas phase. A theoretical MNDO study

The MNDO calculations of protonated polyfluorobenzenes [Ph-F_n]H⁺ indicate the possibility of a relatively free migration of the hydrogen proton with energy barriers of 125–145 kJ mol^?1. At a higher degree of substitution (n) the protonation of the ipso carbon atom occupied by fluorine becomes energetically feasible, along with analogous migrations of fluorine, which, however, are energetically the most advantageous (ΔE_a ～ 230 kJ mol^?1). In addition to bridged fluoronium ions, relatively stable cyclic intermediates were also found, which make possible a rearrangement to the difluoromethylenecyclopentadienyl cation and thus the elimination of CF₂ observed in collision-induced dissociation mass spectra.     

KINETICS AND MECHANISTIC ASPECTS OF THE HYDROLYSIS REACTION OF CYCLIC PHOSPHONODITHOITES

Abstract

The hydrolysis of the cyclic phosphonodithioite C₆H₅ P(SCH(CO₂CH₂CH₃CH(CO₂CH₂CH₃)S) in aqueous acetonitrile follows a rate law that is first order in the concentration of C₆H₅ P(SCH(CO₂CH₂CH₃)CH(CO₂CH₂CH₃)S), and independent of the water concentration. The values of E_a , ΔH* and ΔS* are 10.4 k cal mol^?1, 9.6 k cal mol^?1 and -45 cal mol^?1 respectively. The isotope effect for D₂O as compared to H₂O is 2.5. A mechanism is proposed whereby a pre-equilibrium is established between the phosphonodithioite and water, with a subsequent proton transfer from water to the tricoordinate phosphorus occurring in a subsequent step. The slow step involves hydrolytic cleavage of the first phosphorus-sulfur bond. The compound 2-nitro-5-thiocyanatobenzoic acid is used to provide supporting evidence for the formation of an intermediate thiol.     

Stereoelectronic control of the retro diels–alder reaction in 8-(N-pyrrolidyl)bicyclo[4.3.0]nona-3,7-diene isomers

The cis- and trans-annulated isomers of 8-(N-pyrrolidyl)bicyclo[4.3.0]nona-3,7-diene show different propensities for the retro Diels–Alder fragmentation following electron impact ionization. Molecular ions of the cis-annulated isomer decompose predominantly via the retro Diels–Alder reaction to give [C₉H₁₃N] ⁺· fragments of the appearance energy (AE)=8.45±0.05eV and critical energy E_c=133±8kJ mol^?1. The trans-annulated isomer gives abundant [M–H]⁺ (AE=9.34±0.08eV) and [M–C₆H₆]⁺· fragments, in addition to [C₉H₁₃N]⁺· ions of AE=8.98±0.05eV and E_c=181±8kJ mol^?1. The ionization energies (IE) were determined as IE_cis=7.07±0.05 eV and IE_trans=7.10±0.06eV. The stereochemical information is much less pronounced in unimolecular decompositions of long-lived (metastable) molecular ions which show very similar fragmentation patterns for both geometrical isomers. Nevertheless, the isomers exhibit different kinetic energy release values in the retro Diels–Alder fragmentation; T_0.5=3.8±0.3 and 4.8±0.2 kJ mol^?1 for the cis and trans isomer respectively. Topological molecular orbital calculations indicate that the retro Diels–Alder reaction prefers a two-step path, with a subsequent cleavage of the C(5)? C(6) and C(1)? C(2) bonds. The open-ring distonic intermediate represents the absolute minimum on the reaction energy hypersurface. The cleavage of the C(1)? C(2) bond is the rate-determining step in the decomposition of the cis isomer, with the critical energy calculated as 137 kJ mol^?1. The cleavage of the C(5)? C(6) bond becomes the rate-determining step in the trans-annulated isomer because of stereoelectronic control. The difference in the energy barriers to this cleavage in the isomers (ΔE=95k Jmol^?1) provides a quantitative estimate of the magnitude of the stereoelectronic effect in cation radicals.