The loss of ortho halogeno substituents from substituted thiobenzamide ions

The loss of ortho substituents (CH₃, Cl, Br, I) from molecular ions of substituted thiobenzamides has been investigated by determination of the critical energy and kinetic energy released during this process to obtain some further insight into the corresponding reaction of N,N-dimethylthiobenzamide ions. In contrast to the latter compounds the ortho methyl substituent is not eliminated from the molecular ions of o-methylthiobenzamide, but the loss of ortho halogeno substituents occurs with identical reaction characteristics in both series of compounds. It is concluded that the loss of halogeno substituents from molecular ions in both series corresponds to a direct substitution reaction via a 4-membered transition state.