Studies in vacuum ultraviolet photochemistry. Part I. 2,2,3,3-Tetramethylbutane

Abstract

2,2,3,3-Tetramethylbutane has been photolysed at 123·6 and 147 nm at substrate pressures of 1–25 Torr, and conversions of 0·03–0·3%. The primary processes are both molecular and free-radical in nature. The use of the free-radical scavengers oxygen, nitric oxide, and hydrogen sulphide show the existence of four important primary processes (1)–(4). At 147 nm, a further primary process producing molecular methane also occurs. The Me₃C·CMe₃*→ C₄H₈+ C₄H₁₀(1), → C₆H₁₄+ 2Me·(2), → C₃H₆+ Me·+ Bu (3), → C₄H₈+ H + Bu (4), photolysis mechanism involves extensive free-radical participation, and in this respect behaves in a manner similar to that of neopentane.