Ion–Molecule Reactions in Olefins

Abstract

The reactions of parent olefin ions with neutral olefin molecules from ethylene through hexene were studied. Addition reactions giving higher molecular-weight products were most generally observed, and reactivities and product distributions were found to be related to the molecular structure of the reactants. 1-Olefins were the most reactive systems and gave more complicated product distributions than did 2- or 3-olefins. Analysis of the product distributions and reactivities indicates the reactions in isomeric olefins do not proceed through equivalent intermediates and suggests that isomeric parent ions have not rearranged to give equivalent reactant ions prior to reaction. Specific structures are suggested for the intermediates produced in several of the reactions. Experimental conditions were found to be quite important in determining product distributions and correlating the results of studies made under substantially different conditions.