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Title: The rates of HCl loss from energy-selected ethylchloride ions: A case of tunneling through an H-atom transfer barrier

Journal Article · · Journal of Chemical Physics; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.459736· OSTI ID:6256386
; ;  [1]
  1. Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3290 (US)

The dissociation rates of energy-selected ethylchloride and deuterated ethylchloride ions were measured as a function of the parent-ion internal energy by the method of photoelectron photoion coincidence. Previously performed {ital ab} {ital initio} calculations indicated that the rate-determining step for this reaction is an H-atom transfer from the {beta} carbon to the Cl atom via a substantial energy barrier of 92 kJ/mol (referenced to the zero-point energy). The ion internal energy range in which the experimental rates varied between 10{sup 5} and 10{sup 7} s{sup {minus}1} was found to lie well below the calculated barrier for H-atom transfer. The rates were modeled with the RRKM statistical theory which includes a tunneling step through an Eckart potential. The vibrational frequencies of both the normal and deuterated ethylchloride ions were determined by {ital ab} {ital initio} molecular-orbital methods. The theory accounted very well for the absolute rates including the strong deuterium isotope effect. The measured kinetic-energy release distribution appears nonstatistical. This indicates that the ion--dipole complex, which lies in between the transition state and the C{sub 2}H{sup +}{sub 4}+HCl products, is ineffective in randomizing the potential energy of the reverse activation barrier.

OSTI ID:
6256386
Journal Information:
Journal of Chemical Physics; (USA), Vol. 94:5; ISSN 0021-9606
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English