Isodesmic Research Articles

High-Pressure-Limit and Pressure-Dependent Rate Rules for Intramolecular Cyclization Reactions of α,β-Hydroxyl Hydroperoxyalkyl Radicals

ABSTRACT The cyclization reaction class of hydroxyl hydroperoxyalkyl radicals is one of the crucial reaction classes in low-temperature combustion mechanism of alcohols and alkenes. However, there is a lack of reports on accurate high-pressure-limit rate rules and pressure-dependent rate rules for this reaction class in literature. In this paper, 108 reactions are selected and divided into different classes according to the type of hydroxyl hydroperoxyalkyl radicals, the ring size of the transition states, and the position of the OH group. The energy barriers of the cyclization reactions of hydroxyl hydroperoxyalkyl radicals are calculated by the isodesmic reaction method, and the high-pressure-limit rate constants and pressure-dependent rate constants of all reactions are calculated using the TST and RRKM/ME theory, from which a high-pressure-limit rate rule and pressure-dependent rate rule for each subclass are established. It found that the isodesmic reaction method gives accurate energy barriers and rate constants, and the calculated rate constants of the cyclization reactions of hydroxyl hydroperoxyalkyl radicals are different from those of analogous reactions in alkanes, which indicates the necessity of establishing the rate rules for the cyclization reactions of hydroxyl hydroperoxyalkyl radical. There are large differences in energy barriers and rate constants among the whole reaction classes of the cyclization reactions of hydroxyl hydroperoxyalkyl radicals, so it is necessary to divide the cyclization reactions class into subclasses, and it is also shown that the pressure has a significant effect on the rate constants. In summary, accurate high-pressure-limit rate rules and pressure-dependent rate rules for the cyclization of hydroxyl hydroperoxyalkyl radicals have been developed in this study, which is helpful for the automatic construction of higher accuracy combustion mechanisms for alcohols and alkenes.

Bringing a Mechanistic Lens to the Development of New Transfer Hydroarylation Isodesmic Reactions for the Synthesis of Amides, Thioamides, Amidines, Alkenes and Ketones from Carboxylic Acids via Extrusion and Insertion Elementary Steps

AbstractThe wide availability, ease of handling and structural and functional diversity make carboxylic acids prized building blocks in organic synthesis. The past two decades has seen an explosion of interest in the development of new modes of reactivity of carboxylic acids and their derivatives. Of these, metal‐mediated decarboxylation reactions are attractive as they produce organometallic intermediates that can subsequently be used in C−X (where X=C, N, S etc) bond coupling reactions. Here the results of mechanistic studies integrating both gas‐ and condensed‐phase work are described for development of new extrusion‐insertion (ExIn) classes of reactions for the synthesis of amides, thioamides, amidines, alkenes and ketones from arylcarboxylic acids and suitable (hetero)cumulenes.

Palladium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Isodesmic C-H Iodination of Phenylacetic Weinreb Amides.

Isodesmic reactions represent mild alternatives to other chemical transformations that require harsh oxidizing agents or highly reactive intermediates. However, enantioselective isodesmic C-H functionalization is unknown and enantioselective direct iodination of inert C-H bond is very rare. Rapid synthesis of chiral aromatic iodides is of significant importance for synthetic chemistry. Herein, we report an unprecedented highly enantioselective isodesmic C-H functionalization to access chiral iodinated phenylacetic Weinreb amides via desymmetrization and kinetic resolution with PdII catalysis. Importantly, further transformations of the enantioenriched products are readily available at the iodinated or the Weinreb amide position, paving the way of related studies for synthetic and medicinal chemists.

Automated reaction kinetics and network exploration (Arkane): A statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, transition state theory, and master equation software

AbstractThe open‐source statistical mechanics software described here, Arkane–Automated Reaction Kinetics and Network Exploration–facilitates computations of thermodynamic properties of chemical species, high‐pressure limit reaction rate coefficients, and pressure‐dependent rate coefficient over multi‐well molecular potential energy surfaces (PES) including the effects of collisional energy transfer on phenomenological kinetics. Arkane can use estimates to fill in information for molecules or reactions where quantum chemistry information is missing. The software solves the internal energy master equation for complex unimolecular reaction systems. Inputs to the software include converged electronic structure computations performed by the user using a variety of supported software packages (Gaussian, Molpro, Orca, TeraChem, Q‐Chem, Psi4). The software outputs high‐pressure limit rate coefficients and pressure‐dependent phenomenological rate coefficients, as well as computed thermodynamic properties (enthalpy, entropy, and constant pressure heat capacity) with added energy corrections. Some of the key features of Arkane include treatment of 1D, 2D or ND hindered internal rotation modes, treatment of free internal rotation modes, quantum tunneling effect consideration, transition state theory (TST) and Rice‐Ramsperger‐Kassel‐Marcus (RRKM) rate coefficient computations, master equation solution with four implemented methods, inverse‐Laplace transform of high‐pressure limit rate coefficients into the energy domain, energy corrections based on bond‐additivity or isodesmic reactions, automated and efficient PES exploration, and PES sensitivity analysis. The present work describes the design of Arkane, how it should be used, and refers to the theory that it employs. Arkane is distributed via the RMG‐Py software suite (https://github.com/ReactionMechanismGenerator/RMG‐Py).

Quantum Chemical Modeling of Propellant Degradation.

An ab initio quantum chemical approach for the modeling of propellant degradation is presented. Using state-of-the-art bonding analysis techniques and composite methods, a series of potential degradation reactions are devised for a sample hydroxyl-terminated-polybutadiene (HTPB) type solid fuel. By applying thermochemical procedures and isodesmic reactions, accurate thermochemical quantities are obtained using a modified G3 composite method based on the resolution of the identity. The calculated heats of formation for the different structures produced presents an ∼2 kcal/mol average error when compared against experimental values.

Analysis of the bonding in tetrahedrane and phosphorus-substituted tetrahedranes.

The bonding structures of tetrahedrane, phosphatetrahedrane, diphosphatetrahedrane and triphosphatetrahedrane are studied by employing an intrinsic quasi-atomic orbital analysis. Ethane, cyclopropane and tetrahedral P4 are employed as reference systems. The orbital analysis is paired with the computation of strain energies via isodesmic reactions. The results show that the increase in geometric strain upon transition from ethane to cyclopropane to tetrahedrane weakens the CC bonds, despite leading to shorter C-C interatomic distances. With the increase in strain, the orbitals centered on C and involved in the bonding of the cage structure are observed to have elevated p-character, and the orbital structure of C deviates from sp3 hybridization. The systematic substitution of CH groups by P atoms in the cage structure of tetrahedrane leads to stronger CC bonds, larger angles in the cage structures of the resulting phosphatetrahedranes, lower p-character in the orbitals involved in the bonding of the cages, and lower strain energies. It is found that P is more amenable to strained molecular arrangements than is C, and that the propensity of a given atom to hybridize s and p functions, or the lack thereof, has implications in the stability of molecules with strained geometries. The combination of the calculations presented here with the existing literature provides insight into the apparent propensity of tetrahedrane and P4 to 'break' their tetrahedral structures. Trends in the bonding interactions, such as bond strengths, s- and p-orbital characters and charge transfer are identified and related to the strain energy observed in each of the analyzed systems.

Variation in pnictogen-oxygen bonding unlocks greatly enhanced Brønsted basicity for the monomeric stibine oxide.

Phosphine oxides and arsine oxides feature highly polarized pnictoryl groups (Pn+-O-/Pn = O; Pn = P, As) and react as Brønsted bases through O-centered lone pairs. We recently reported the first example of a monomeric stibine oxide, Dipp3SbO (Dipp = diisopropylphenyl), allowing periodic trends in pnictoryl bonding to be extended to antimony for the first time. Computational studies suggest that, as the pnictogen atom becomes heavier, delocalization of electron density from the O-centered lone pairs to the Pn-C σ* orbitals is attenuated, destabilizing the lone pairs and increasing the donor capacity of the pnictine oxide. Herein, we assess the Brønsted basicity of a series of monomeric pnictine oxides (Dipp3PnO; Pn = P, As, and Sb). Stoichiometric reactivity between Dipp3PnO and a series of acids demonstrates the greatly enhanced ability of Dipp3SbO to accept protons relative to the lighter congeners, consistent with theoretical isodesmic reaction enthalpies and proton affinities. 1H NMR spectrometric titrations allow for the pKaH,MeCN determination of Dipp3AsO and Dipp3SbO, revealing a 106-fold increase in Brønsted basicity from Dipp3AsO to Dipp3SbO. The increased basicity can be exploited in catalysis; Dipp3SbO exhibits dramatically increased catalytic efficiency in the Brønsted base-catalyzed transesterification between p-nitrophenyl acetate and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol. Our results unambiguously confirm the drastic increase in Brønsted basicity from Dipp3PO < Dipp3AsO < Dipp3SbO, a direct consequence of the variation in the electronic structure of the pnictoryl bond as the pnictogen atom increases in atomic number.

From cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) precursors to fluorinating reagents. Experimental and theoretical study.

Addition of anhydrous HF to the hydrochloride [MeCAACH][Cl(HCl)0.5] resulted in the formation of salts with high HF content. By stepwise removal of HF in vacuo, we selectively prepared [MeCAACH][F(HF)2] (3) and [MeCAACH][F(HF)3] (4). We also characterised a salt with [F(HF)4]- anions within the structure of [MeCAACH][F(HF)3.5] (5). Compounds with a lower content of HF were not accessible under vacuum conditions. MeCAAC(H)F (1) was selectively prepared by abstraction of HF from 3 with CsF or KF, while [MeCAACH][F(HF)] (2) was prepared by mixing 3 and 1 in a 1 : 1 ratio. Compound 2 proved to be quite unstable as it tends to disproportionate into 1 and 3. This observation triggered our computational study, in which the structural relationships between CAAC-based fluoropyrrolidines and dihydropyrrolium fluorides were investigated using different DFT methods. The study showed that the results were very sensitive to the computational method used. For a correct description, the quality of the triple-ζ basis set was crucial. Surprisingly, the isodesmic reaction of [MeCAACH][F] + [MeCAACH][F(HF)2] → [MeCAACH][F(HF)] + [MeCAACH][F(HF)] did not confirm the low thermodynamic stability of 2. Furthermore, the use of 3 as a nucleophilic fluorinating reagent was tested on a range of organic substrates, as it is the most stable compound in this series. It was found to have the potential to fluorinate benzyl bromides, 1- and 2-alkyl bromides, silanes and sulfonyls with good to excellent yields of the target fluorides.

Catalytic Deoxygenation of Phosphine Oxides via Mild Successive Isodesmic Reactions

Catalytic Deoxygenation of Phosphine Oxides via Mild Successive Isodesmic Reactions

Benchmarking quantum chemistry compound methods for the temperature‐dependent thermochemical data of SixHy and SixFy series

AbstractAccurate thermochemical data of SixHy and SixFy series is a prerequisite for high‐end materials design. In this study, the standard enthalpies of formation () of SixHy and SixFy were calculated from atomization and isodesmic reactions using the composite methods CBS‐QB3, G3, G4, W1U, W1BD, and W2‐F12. Second, their temperature‐dependent thermochemical parameters (∆𝑓𝑆θ and Cp) are derived from the optimized geometries and frequency calculation at B3LYP/cc‐pV(T + d)Z level. In addition, this paper uses nonexpert‐user methods (CBS‐QB3, G3, G4, W1U and W1BD) to compare the calculated with recommended values of Active Thermochemical Table, Burcat database, and W2‐F12 calculation results. The accuracy of these nonexpert‐user methods are interpreted in terms of descriptive statistics. The results show that: (1) the accuracy rank of individual compound methods is as follows: CBS‐QB3 &gt; W1BD &gt; W1U &gt; G4 &gt; G3; (2) for Si/H/F compounds, three combination methods, CBS‐QB3/G4/W1U or CBS‐QB3/G4/W1BD, and two combination methods, G4/W1U or G4/W1BD, were quite powerful, and the weighted results could reproduce the recommended values within “near‐chemical‐accuracy,” (3) the popular W1BD and W1U methods give highly erroneous results, indicating that one should not apply these methods in isolation unless other error‐cancellation strategies are collocated indicated.

Stability of Carbocyclic Phosphinyl Radicals: Effect of Ring Size, Delocalization, and Sterics.

In this computational study, we report on the stability of cyclic phosphinyl radicals with an aim for a systematical assessment of stabilization effects. The radical stabilization energies (RSEs) were calculated using isodesmic reactions for a large number of carbocyclic radicals possessing different ring sizes and grades of unsaturation. In general, the RSE values range from −1.2 to −14.0 kcal·mol–1, and they show practically no correlation with the spin populations at the P-centers. The RSE values correlate with the reaction Gibbs free energies calculated for the dimerization of the studied simple radicals. Therefore, the more easily accessible RSE values offer a cost-effective estimation of global stability in a straightforward manner. To explore the effect of unsaturation on the RSE values, delocalization energies were determined using appropriate isodesmic reactions. Introducing unsaturations beside the P-center into the backbone of the rings leads to an additive increase in the magnitude of the delocalization energy (∼10, 20, and 30 kcal·mol–1, respectively, for radicals with one, two, and three C=C bonds in the conjugation). Parallelly, the spin populations at the P-centers also dwindle gradually by ∼0.1 e in the same order, indicating that the lone electron delocalizes over the π-system. Radicals containing exocyclic C=C π-bonds were also investigated, and all of these radicals have rather similar stabilities independently of the ring size, outlining the primary importance of the two exocyclic π-bonds in the conjugation. Among the radicals involved in our study, those with the best electronic stabilization are the unsaturated three-, five-, six-, and seven-membered rings containing the maximum number of conjugated vinyl fragments. The largest delocalization energy of 31.5 kcal·mol–1 and the lowest obtained spin population of 0.665 e were found for the fully unsaturated seven-membered radical (phosphepin derivative). Importantly, the electronic stabilization effects alone are insufficient for stabilizing the radicals in monomeric forms epitomized by the exothermic dimerization energies (−40 to −58 kcal·mol–1). Therefore, it is essential to apply sterically demanding bulky substituents on the α-C-atoms. Tweaking the steric congestion enabled us to propose radicals that are expected to be stable against dimerization and, consequently, may be realistic target species for synthetic investigations. The effects contributing to the stability of radicals having sterically encumbered substituents have also been explored.

Quantum chemical calculations of formation enthalpies of cations and anions of ionic liquids

The development of advanced ionic-liquid-based applications requires accurate thermochemical data for both ionic liquids and their constituent ions. Herein, the formation enthalpies of alkylimidazolium cations ([CnMIm+], n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) and various anions (trifluoromethanesulfonate ([TfO−]), ethyl sulfate ([ES−]), dicyanamide ([DCA−]), and bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonylimide ([NTf2−])) in the ideal gas state were obtained by quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory (DFT: B3LYP, B98, M06, M06-2X) and composite (G4) thermochemical models in the framework of the isodesmic reaction approach. The enthalpies of heterolytic dissociation of neutral ion pairs (NIPs) for the [CnMIm+][X−] series (n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10; X− = [TfO−], [ES−], [NTf2−], [DCA−], [BF4−], [PF6−], [Cl−], [Br−], [I−]) were derived using the obtained data and literature formation enthalpies (ΔfH°) of NIPs. Analysis of the thermochemical property trends revealed that the formation enthalpies of [CnMIm+] decrease linearly as the alkyl chain length increases. In addition, the use of the isodesmic reaction approach improved the reliability of the computed data. Furthermore, owing to its internal self-consistency, the G4 method was found to be the most appropriate for describing the thermodynamic quantities of the cations and anions of ionic liquids.

Density functional theory investigation of triazole substituted nitro borazine derivatives as high energy density material

This work involves Density Functional Theory (DFT) investigation for prediction of nitrogen enriched boron based heterocyclic molecules for potential application as high energy density materials (HEDMs). The development of environment benign energetic materials as propellants, explosives, construction, military purposes and safety equipments are of immense interest. Boron based heterocyclic molecules with high nitrogen content have remarkable explosive properties. They are safe to the environment as their decomposition produces safe nitrogen gas instead of toxic hydrocarbons. In this work we have performed DFT calculations of thermodynamic properties and explosive characteristics of triazole substituted nitro borazine derivatives to assess their role as possible HEDMs. Effects of substitution of triazole group along boron atom and nitrogen atom have been investigated. Energetic properties that are important in deciding the explosive characteristics have been computed. Calculation of heat of formation through isodesmic reaction, detonation properties, heat of combustion etc. has been carried out. Further, crystal density, chemical stability and impact sensitivity have been analyzed. The designed molecules have nitrogen content of more than 48% and density in the range of 1.74–1.78 g/cm3. Impact sensitivity of the molecules indicates them as highly insensitive towards impact. Computed results in our investigation suggests that substitution of triazole ring along boron atom of the nitro borazine derivatives could be a potential high energy density material.

Thermodynamic properties of temozolomide in crystalline and gaseous aggregate states

Temozolomide (4-methyl-5-oxo-2,3,4,6,8-pentazabicyclo[4,3,0]nona-2,7,9-triene-9-carboxamide) is an active component of antitumor immunosuppressive alkylating drugs, and it used largely for the treatment of various types of malignant tumors, including malignant gliomas that are difficult to treat by surgery (glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma). Wide field of temozolomide application dictates the need for its comprehensive thermodynamic study. In this work temperature dependance of the temozolomide heat capacity was obtained using the adiabatic calorimetry method and the standard thermodynamic functions of crystalline temozolomide were calculated in the temperature range 80–370 K. Standard thermodynamic functions of the temozolomide in the ideal gas state were calculated using the statistical thermodynamics approach in the temperature range 0–1000 K. To obtain the standard internal energy and enthalpies of combustion and formation of crystalline temozolomide at T = 298.15 K the combustion bomb calorimetry was used. Standard enthalpy of formation of the gaseous temozolomide was calculated in the framework of the isodesmic reactions method using quantum chemical computing. To calculate standard sublimation enthalpy of temozolomide the electrostatic potential model was applied. The results obtained can find application in solving problems of optimisation of temozolomide production processes and to validate experimentally obtained values of thermodynamic properties of the temozolomide.

The Role of Through-Bond Stereoelectronic Effects in the Reactivity of 3-Azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes.

Hyperconjugation/conjugation through-bond stereoelectronic effects were studied with density functional theory in the context of 3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes to unravel puzzling differences in reactivity between a vinylogous chloride (4) and a vinylogous ester (5). These compounds─whose structures differ only by one substituent─were found to display strikingly different reactivities in hydrochloric acid by Risch and co-workers ( J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1991, 113, 9411-9412). Computational analyses of substituent effects, noncovalent interactions, natural bond orbitals, isodesmic reactions, and hydration propensities lead to a model for which the role of remote, through-bond stereoelectronic effects is the key to explaining 4 and 5's diverging reactivity.

Stable Carbenes as Structural Components of Partially Saturated Sulfur-Containing Heterocycles.

Recently, an unusual elongation of the C-S bond was observed experimentally for some sulfur-containing heterocycles. Using a superior ab initio (SCS-MP2/cc-pVTZ) level of theory, we showed that the phenomenon can be explained by a contribution of a donor–acceptor adduct of a carbene with an unsaturated ligand. One may achieve further elongation of the C-S bond, eventually turning it to a coordinate one, by increasing the stability of each part of the system as, e.g., in the utmost case of spiro adducts with Arduengo carbenes. The effect of carbene stability was quantified by employing the isodesmic reactions of carbene exchange.

Theoretical structural and thermochemical characterization of partially fluorinated alcohols

Molecular conformations, harmonic vibrational frequencies and standard enthalpies of formation for CH3-nFnCF2CH2OH, CH3-nFnCH2OH and CH3-nFnOH (n = 1,2,3) partially fluorinated alcohols were computed at different levels of theory using isodesmic and isogiric work reactions. The lack of data and large uncertainties in the reported thermodynamic properties motivated the present study. As average at the G4 and CBSQB3 levels of theory, standard enthalpies of formation at 298 K of −313.9±1.8, −258.2±1.8 and −208.4±1.8 kcal mol−1 were computed for CF3CF2CH2OH, CHF2CF2CH2OH and CH2FCF2CH2OH, respectively; values of −213.0±1.7, −154.5±1.7 and −100.4±1.7 kcal mol−1 were obtained for CF3CH2OH, CHF2CH2OH and CH2FCH2OH; while −216.9±1.2, −159.8±1.2 and −100.9±1.7 kcal mol−1 were derived for CF3OH, CHF2OH and CH2FOH. The corresponding enthalpies of formation presented here for CF3CF2CH2OH and CH2FCF2CH2OH were predicted for the first time. Hydrogen abstraction reactions enthalpies by OH radicals were also estimated and comparisons with previously reported results were performed.

Thermodynamic Properties: Enthalpy, Entropy, Heat Capacity, and Bond Energies of Fluorinated Carboxylic Acids.

Fluorinated carboxylic acids and their radicals are becoming more prevalent in environmental waters and soils as they have been produced and used for numerous commercial applications. Understanding the thermochemical properties of fluorinated carboxylic acids will provide insights into the stability and reaction paths of these molecules in the environment, in body fluids, and in biological and biochemical processes. Structures and thermodynamic properties for over 50 species related to fluorinated carboxylic acids with two and three carbons are determined with density functional computational calculations B3LYP, M06-2X, and MN15 and higher ab initio levels CBS-QB3, CBS-APNO, and G4 of theory. The lowest energy structures, moments of inertia, vibrational frequencies, and internal rotor potentials of each target species are determined. Standard enthalpies of formation, ΔfH298°, from CBS-APNO calculations show the smallest standard deviation among methods used in this work. ΔfH298° values are determined via several series of isodesmic and/or isogyric reactions. Enthalpies of formation are determined for fluorinated acetic and propionic acids and their respective radicals corresponding to the loss of hydrogen and fluorine atoms. Heat capacities as a function of temperature, Cp(T), and entropy at 298 K, S298°, are determined. Thermochemical properties for the fluorinated carbon groups used in group additivity are also developed. Bond dissociation energies (BDEs) for the carbon-hydrogen, carbon-fluorine, and oxygen-hydrogen (C-H, C-F, and O-H BDEs) in the acids are reported. The C-H, C-F, and O-H bond energies of the fluorinated carboxylic acids are in the range of 89-104, 101-125, and 109-113 kcal mol-1, respectively. General trends show that the O-H bond energies on the acid group increase with the increase in the fluorine substitution. The strong carbon fluorine bonds in a fluorinated acid support the higher stability of the perfluorinated acids in the environment.

Photoionization of buckybowls: Sumanene and derivatives

The electronic structures of sumanene and several heterasumanenes have been calculated using high-level ab initio method: Green’s function method (OVGF). The vertical, valence ionization energies were calculated and gas phase photoelectron spectra simulated on the basis of those ionization energies. The Franck-Condon analysis of vibronic effects has also been performed and changes between molecular geometries in neutral and ionic state have been discussed Standard formation enthalpies for some sumanenes were calculated using isodesmic reaction scheme. The results help in the understanding of how is the electronic structure affected when molecule deviates from planar geometry and what is the influence of substituents in benzylic positions. We have demonstrated that the substituent effects affect not only geometry, but also the electronic structure (reflected in ionization energies). This can be used in preparing new functional materials for various applications.

Theoretical study on isomerization, decomposition and ring-closure reaction kinetics of methyl pentanoate radicals

A comprehensive study on the isomerization, decomposition and ring-closure reaction kinetics, as well as thermodynamic properties of methyl pentanoate radicals were carried out in this work. The M06–2X/cc-pVTZ level of theory was employed to optimize geometries and analyze frequencies for all the stationary points on the potential energy surfaces. The CCSD(T) method with two basis sets, cc-pVDZ and cc-pVTZ, was used to calculate single point energies, which were further extrapolated to the complete basis set (CBS) limit to construct the potential energy surfaces. The energy calculation results indicated that isomerization of δ-R to α-R, decomposition of γ-R to CH2C(=O)OCH3 and propene, and ring-closure reaction of δ-R to 1-methoxycyclopentanoxyl radical are the most energetically favored reactions among the studied isomerization, decomposition and ring-closure reaction channels, respectively. High pressure limit, and temperature and pressure dependent rate coefficients were determined by solving the one-dimensional energy-dependent master equations with Tsinghua University Minnesota Master Equation program (TUMME). The rate coefficients and branching ratios were found to be significantly affected by temperature and pressure. The decomposition reactions yielding small unsaturated esters or small ester radicals dominate at high temperatures, while the isomerization reactions proceeding via five- and six-membered ring saddle points, as well as the ring-closure reactions play more important roles at low temperatures. Significant discrepancies are observed between the theoretically calculated rate coefficients and estimated results. The thermochemical properties of methyl pentanoate radicals were calculated using isodesmic reaction method and atomization method together with the multistructural torsional anharmonicity partition functions. This study provides accurate kinetic and thermodynamic data on methyl pentanoate radicals, which are expected to advance our understanding of combustion chemistry of methyl pentanoate and larger methyl esters.