Ion–molecule reactions in gaseous methane + pentane mixtures

Abstract

The reactions of CX⁺₅ and C₂X⁺₅(X = H, D) with n-C₅D₁₂ and n-C₅H₁₂ have been studied. The reactant ions have been generated from CD₄ and CH₄ by ⁶⁰CO γ-rays and electron impact in an ion-cyclotron-resonance apparatus at 10 and 10^–4 Torr, respectively. The relative extent of fragmentation reactions of the pentonium ion has been measured. The transferred proton (deuteron) is partially retained in the fragment alkyl ions. The results are compared with data obtained for the hydrogen + n-pentane system and a possible reaction mechanism is deduced. Subsequent ion–molecule and neutralization reactions are discussed.