| Abstract: | The elimination kinetics of 2-chloropropionic acid have been studied over the temperature range of 320–370.2°C and pressure range of 79–218.5 torr. The reaction in seasoned vessel and in the presence of the free radical suppressor cyclohexene, is homogeneous, unimolecular, and obeys a first-order rate law. The dehydrochlorination products are acetaldehyde and carbon monoxide. The rate coefficient is expressed by the following Arrhenius equation: log k1(s?1) = (12.53 ± 0.43) – (186.9 ± 5.1) kJ mol?1 (2.303RT)?1. The hydrogen atom of the carboxylic COOH appears to assist readily the leaving chloride ion in the transition state, suggesting an intimate ion pair mechanism operating in this reaction. |
