Reactions of cyclic alkyl radicals. Part 2.—Photolysis of cyclopropane carboxaldehyde

Abstract

The vapour-phase photolysis of cyclopropane carboxaldehyde has been studied at various pressures over the temperature range 40–250°C. A major primary process is the intramolecular reaction yielding propylene and carbon monoxide. Cyclopropyl radicals are also produced and isomerize to allyl radicals with an estimated activation energy of about 22 kcal mole^–1. A value of 2 has been obtained for the cross-combination ratio for allyl and cyclopropyl radicals.