Isomerization of unsaturated radicals. VI. Isomerization of 3-cyclopenlenyl and pentamethylene radicals

Abstract

The 184.9 nm photochemistry 0f gaseous 3-methylcyclopentene and 3-methyl-1,4-pentadiene have been studied. Both photoexcited species decompose mainly through the primayy rupture of the C-CH3 bond. Vibrationally excited 3-cyclopenennyl and pentamethylene radicals are formed in the primayy decomposition in the former and latter systems respectively. These radicals are connected through isomerization reactions: in the presence of DI, the isomers cyclopenten,, and trans-1,3-pentadtene and/or vinylcyclopropane are formed in both systems. The quantum yields depend on the pressure and the starting monomer: cyclopentene and cyclopentadiene are the major products from the photolysis of 3-methylcyclopentene + DI mixtures and only minor quantities of the other C5H8 compounds are formed. Cyclopentadiene is the major product of the photolysis of 3-methyl-1,4-pentadiene + O2 mixtures whereas vinylcyclopropane and trans-1,3-pentadiene are the major C5 producss of the photolysis of 3-methyl-1,4-pentadiene + DI mixtures.