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Title: Theoretical study of methyl hypofluorite (CH sub 3 OF) and related compounds

Journal Article · · Journal of Chemical Physics; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.461326· OSTI ID:5073163
 [1];  [2]
  1. Chemical Technology Division/Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois (USA)
  2. Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA)

The Gaussian-2 (G2) theoretical procedure, based on {ital ab} {ital initio} molecular orbital theory, is used to calculate the energies of CH{sub 3}OF, CH{sub 3}OF{sup +}, and related compounds. In this study we have found methyl hypofluorite to have a trans {ital C}{sub {ital s}} structure and to be stable with respect to loss of fluorine by 45.9 kcal/mol. The energies of fragmentation processes of methyl hypofluorite calculated from G2 theory are in agreement with those measured by Ruscic, Appelman, and Berkowitz (J. Chem. Phys. {bold 95}, XXX (1991)) and support their interpretation of the photoionization data. The theoretical enthalpy of formation {Delta}{ital H}{sup 0}{sub {ital f}0}(CH{sub 3}OF) of {minus}21.0 kcal/mol is in agreement with the experimental value ({ge}{minus}23.0{plus minus}0.7 kcal/mol) derived from the photoionization data. The ordering of the O--F bond strengths in the series of molecules OF, HOF, and CH{sub 3}OF is OF{gt}HOF{gt}CH{sub 3}OF and the C--O bond strength is 6--8 kcal/mol weaker in methyl hypofluorite than in methanol.

DOE Contract Number:
W-31-109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
5073163
Journal Information:
Journal of Chemical Physics; (United States), Vol. 95:11; ISSN 0021-9606
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English