Absolute Rate Constants for Decarbonylation of Phenylacetyl and Related Radicals

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/j100227a002

The rate constants and Arrhenius parameters for decarbonylation of phenylacetyl (C6H5CH2CO), phenylmethylacetyl (C6H5CHCH3CO), and phenyldimethylacetyl radicals in isooctane have been determined by laser flash photolysis.The variation of the rate constant for decarbonylation follows the pattern expected from radical stabilities, but the activation energies do not.It is proposed that previously unrecognized conformational restrictions may be significant in determinig decarbonylation rates.