Alkyl iodides as a source of alkyl radicals. Part I. Mechanism of the gas-phase photolysis of isopropyl iodide

Abstract

The gas-phase photolysis of isopropyl iodide with light of wavelengths 3130 Å has been reinvestigated. In presence of mercury the only source of propene is the disproportionation of the isopropyl radicals. A value of 0·58 ± 0·04 was obtained for the combination–disproportionation ratio of the isopropyl radicals, in agreement with values given in the literature. This shows that alkyl iodides can be a useful source of free radicals.