Analysis of the metal-catalyzed decomposition of γ- and δ-haloesters by GC/FT-IR

Summary The decomposition of γ- and δ-haloesters has previously been observed to take place within a commercial GC/FT-IR light-pipe system. Using a home-built light-pipe interface, an analysis of this same class of compounds was conducted from which the source of the decomposition was determined to be a brass fitting central to the commercial system's assembly. It is proposed that the reaction is due to a weakening of the carbon-halogen bond by metal interaction thereby allowing lactonization to occur.