Absolute reaction rate of chlorine atoms with neopentane

Abstract

AbstractThe reaction of atomic chlorine with neopentane was studied in the gas phase with the Very Low Pressure Reactor (VLPR) technique over the temperature range 273–333 K. The absolute reaction rate was found to be temperature‐independent, and the average rate constant was k1 = (1.11± 0.13) × 10−10 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 within experimental error. The reaction proceeds via metathesis of a hydrogen atom with no activation energy, and leads to the formation of HCl and neopentyl radical. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.