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Title: Single-Step Mechanism for Regioselective Nitration of 9,10-BN-Naphthalene with Acetyl Nitrate in the Gas Phase

Journal Article · · Journal of Physical Chemistry. A, Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, and General Theory

Here, the energetics of the regioselective mononitration of 9,10-BN-naphthalene with acetyl nitrate (H3C2NO4) were modeled with ab initio simulations in the gas phase and an acetonitrile solvent. The single-electron-transfer (SET) nitration mechanism leading to a σ-complex and a single-step nitration mechanism were modeled. The energy barrier for the single-step mechanism was lower than that for the SET mechanism in the gas phase. However, the two are much more energetically competitive in the solvent. The σ-complex was found to be unstable in the gas phase owing to the interaction with the counterion. Using the single-step mechanism, the carbon site 1 nearest boron had the lowest activation energy for nitration of 22.6 kcal/mol, while site 3 had the second lowest barrier of 24.6 kcal/mol. Finally, details on the molecular structures at intermediate and transition states as well as charges in different configurations are discussed.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); US Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC52-07NA27344
OSTI ID:
1884635
Report Number(s):
LLNL-JRNL-830303; 1046068
Journal Information:
Journal of Physical Chemistry. A, Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, and General Theory, Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry. A, Molecules, Spectroscopy, Kinetics, Environment, and General Theory Journal Issue: 31 Vol. 126; ISSN 1089-5639
Publisher:
American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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