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Anharmonic and harmonic rate constants for the unimolecular dissociation of CH3OOH and CD3OOD were calculated using the Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) theory at the MP2/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level of theory. The anharmonic effect of the reactions was investigated. Comparison of results for the decompositions of CH3OOH and CD3OOD shows that the direct bond dissociation channel, CH3(D3) O + OH (D), is the most dominant reaction. The anharmonic effect plays an important role in the unimolecular dissociation of both CH3OOH and CD3OOD. For channels CH3(D3) O + OH (D) and CH3(D3) + H (D) O2, the anharmonic effect of the unimolecular dissociation of CD3OOD is more pronounced than that of the unimolecular dissociation of CH3OOH. For channel H2(D2) CO + H2(D2) O, the anharmonic effect of the unimolecular dissociation of CH3OOH is more pronounced than that of the unimolecular dissociation of CD3OOD. The isotope effect is more distinct in the anharmonic oscillator model.

A MP2/6-31G* direct dynamics simulation is used to study the dynamics of the central barrier [Cl-C2H5-Cl]– for the Cl– + C2H5 SN2 reaction. The majority of the trajectories move off the central barrier to form the Cl––C2H5Cl complex and appear to undergo efficient IVR as assumed by RRKM theory. However, some of the trajectories move directly to products without forming the complex, a non-RRKM result. A hydrogen atom link-atom QM/MM model is described for studying the dynamics of [X-CH2R-Y]– central barriers with the -R substituent. The model is used to calculate vibrational frequencies for the [Cl-C2H5-Cl]– central barrier.Key words: SN2 reaction dynamics, RRKM theory, QM/MM model, central barrier dynamics, direct dynamics classical trajectories.

The photofragmentation of 2,3-dimethylbutene and 3,3-dimethylbutene has been studied at 147 and 184.9 nm in the gas phase. The main primary decomposition process at both wavelengths involves the rupture of a β(C—C) bond. The quantum yield for this process is higher than 0.7 at 147 nm and is probably even higher at 184.9 nm. All dimethallyl radicals formed at 147 nm in this process decompose at low pressure, but some of them isomerize from the α,β- to the α,α- structure (and vice versa) — via a 1,4-H transfer — before decomposition. At 184.9 nm, the same primary process is used to get a rough value for the lifetime of the photoexcited molecule, compared with the one made with RRKM calculations by assuming that all the photon energy resides in the vibrational framework of the fundamental electronic state. These lifetimes are about one nanosecond or less.

A bibliographical study of the thermal decomposition of the ethyl radical shows that the kinetic parameters for the upper and lower limits of the pressure are rather scattered. This observation explains why we have carried out a new study of this elementary process in the pyrolysis of ethane, around 800 K, in a closed vessel and at pressures of the hydrocarbon varying from 1 to 300 Torr. The experimental results have been treated according to three theoretical approaches: the RRKM theory and two methods proposed by Troe. In each case, an excellent fit of the theoretical curves with the experimental data is obtained, as well as Arrhenius expressions for the reaction rate constants at high and low pressures. A detailed critical analysis of our results as well as those found in the literature shows that as yet there is no good agreement between recent studies on this subject. However, it is possible to present two Arrhenius expressions for the reaction rate constants at high and low pressures; these expressions represent a good compromise for the results obtained by various authors:[Formula: see text][Journal translation]

The kinetic data for the unimolecular decomposition of nitrous oxide, recently analyzed by Johnston, have been considered from the standpoint of the theories of unimolecular decompositions. Particular attention is paid to the high-pressure first-order rates, the low-pressure second-order rates, and the pressure range over which the rates fall off. A normal-mode analysis is made for the molecular vibrations, and calculations are made on the basis of N. B. Slater's theory. It is found that when the change of multiplicity is taken into account the Slater theory gives a satisfactory interpretation of the high-pressure behavior, but gives rates that are much too small in the low-pressure region. The theories of Hinshelwood, Kassel, and Rice and Ramsperger account more satisfactorily for the rate of activation, and Kassel's theory accounts for the pressure fall-off. A modified theory of unimolecular reactions is proposed to explain the observed results.

Monofluorocyclopropane isomerizes at 475 °C to form cis- and trans-1-fluoropropene, 2-fluoropropene, and 3-fluoropropene. The relative amounts of these products formed are pressure dependent. It is shown that, using the previously determined Arrhenius parameters for the formation of each product, RRKM theory does account satisfactorily for the pressure dependence of the product yields for all the reaction products.