0000000000476737
AUTHOR
Gabriel Chuchani
Potential energy surface for the decomposition of mandelic acid
Abstract The decomposition of mandelic acid has been studied by ab initio calculations at the MP2/6-31G ∗∗ level. Three competitive reaction pathways have been characterized, two are stepwise processes with the formation of an α-lactone intermediate, achieved by the nucleophilic attack of either the carbonylic oxygen atom (mechanism A) or the hydroxylic oxygen atom (mechanism B) of the carboxyl group, followed by a ring opening; the third pathway (mechanism C) is a one-step process. The calculated rate coefficient agrees with experimental data. The decomposition is energetically favourable along mechanism A.
A combined experimental and theoretical study of the unimolecular elimination kinetics of 2-alkoxypropionic acids in the gas phase
Abstract The reaction mechanism associated with the decomposition of three 2-alkoxypropionic acids (2-methoxy-, 2-ethoxy- and 2-isopropoxypropionic acid) in gas phase to form acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and the corresponding alcohol has been analyzed by a combination of experimental and theoretical studies. The kinetics of these systems were determined in a static system over the temperature and pressure range of 301.2–370.7°C and 61–190 Torr, respectively, in seasoned vessel, with the free-radical inhibitor cyclohexene. The experimental data show that these decompositions are homogeneous, unimolecular and follow a first-order rate law. A detailed characterization, at MP2/6-31G** computa…